Unique Features: The ‘Sunset’ maples are hybrids of the Norway maple and the Shantung maple Shantung maples are native to central Asia and have exceptional heat and drought tolerance, which is passed onto the ‘Sunset’ series of maples. They will sometimes exhibit the star like, smooth edged and 5 lobed leaves of the Shantung. The Ruby Sunset grows moderately into a compact, upright rounded shape that stays closer in size to the Shantung side of its heritage. This tough little maple is a great choice for outstanding fall color in a small space. The Shantung maple also imparts some tolerance to iron chlorosis, a common problem with maples in our high pH soils. The signs of iron chlorosis (deficiency) are pale greenish yellow leaves with darker green veins. This can be treated with iron or sulfur soil amendments. Maples ‘wake up’ as early as February, and the winter watering should be increased at this time.