Maple 'Crimson King'

Maple 'Crimson King'

Willowbrook Nurseries Inc.

$159.99
Title

Command attention with a "kingly" presence in your landscape. The 'Crimson King' is a show-stopping specimen known for its dense, symmetrical canopy of large, deeply lobed leaves that boast a rich, royal maroon-to-purple hue. Unlike other trees that fade to green in the heat of summer, this maple holds its dramatic dark colour all season long, providing a bold and sophisticated contrast against the standard greens of a typical garden.
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Plant Details

Mature Size:

50' H x 40' W

Zone:

3-7

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Crimson King Norway Maple, European Maple, Norwey Maple, Plane Maple

Scientific Name:

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'

Type:

Ornamental Shade Tree

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Typically 35–50 feet tall with a 25–40 foot spread.
  • Growth Habit/Form: Upright with a dense, symmetrical, rounded crown.
  • Growth Rate: Medium; slower and more compact than the standard species.
  • Longevity: A "heritage tree" that can live 100 years or more under ideal conditions.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Thrives in full sun; suitable for both sheltered and exposed locations.
  • Soil Preferences: Highly adaptable; thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soil but is not particular about pH.
  • Soil Tolerance: Tolerates clay, loam, sand, and slightly alkaline conditions.
  • Watering: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged or poorly draining sites.

Special Features:

  • Pollution Tolerant: Highly resistant to urban pollutants, making it perfect for city environments.
  • Urban Tough: Resistant to wind breakage and adaptable to various soil types.
  • Invasive Potential: Be aware that this species can reseed freely and may naturalize in some areas.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom: Showy clusters of maroon-yellow flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge.
  • Fall Colour: Unremarkable; leaves typically turn a bronzy-brown or dark maroon before dropping.
  • Bark: Grayish-brown; susceptible to sunscald in winter.
  • Fruit: Distinctive purple samaras (winged seeds) appear in summer.

Garden Value:

A premier ornamental feature tree for front yards and large landscapes. It serves as an excellent shade tree due to its dense canopy and is often used as a bold color accent or a tall screening plant for privacy.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators with spring blooms; seeds are a food source for many bird species.
  • Human Value: Provides dense, cool shade for patios and yards; excellent for privacy screening and as a landmark heritage tree.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time: Autumn is ideal for faster root establishment, but containerized trees can be planted year-round if the ground isn't frozen.
  • Spacing: Keep at least 4 metres (approx. 13 feet) from other structures or trees.
  • Location Tips: Avoid planting directly under power lines due to its height. Its shallow root system can heave sidewalks, so plant at least 4–6 feet away from paved surfaces.

Care:

  • Light: Performs best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to maintain its signature dark foliage; can tolerate partial shade, but color vibrance may decrease.
  • Moisture: Needs regular watering during the first one to two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance once established. Prune in late winter (February to March) to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain a balanced silhouette.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and vigorous foliage color.

Tolerances:

Heat, drought (once established), urban pollution, and varied soil pH.

Tips For Success:

Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use tree ties for young trees but check regularly to ensure they don't rub the bark. Avoid heavy pruning as maples can "bleed" sap if cut at the wrong time.
Fruit Profile