Royal Red Maple
Royal Red Maple
Royal Red Maple
Royal Red Maple

Royal Red Maple

Dominique Savio Nursery

$179.99
Title

Make a bold statement with the Royal Red Maple, a tree that demands attention with its luxurious, deep burgundy-purple foliage that remains vibrant throughout the entire growing season. Unlike other maples that transition through greens, the Royal Red maintains its regal, wine-coloured leaves from the moment they unfurl in spring until they deepen into a rich maroon in the fall. Its dense, rounded canopy provides deep, cooling shade while its elegantly straight trunk and glossy leaf sheen add a polished, high-end look to any landscape.
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Plant Details

Mature Size:

40' H x 35' W

Zone:

3-7

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Slow - Moderate

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Royal Red Maple, Royal Red Norway Maple

Scientific Name:

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red'

Type:

Ornamental Shade Tree

Growth Details:

Mature Size: Typically reaches 30–40 feet in height with a spread of 30–35 feet.

Growth Habit/Form: Dense, rounded to oval canopy with a straight, strong trunk.

Growth Rate: Slow to medium growth rate.

Longevity: A long-lived "heritage" tree that can live for 100 years or more under ideal conditions.

Environmental Needs:

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (full sun is preferred for best colour).

Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained loams but is highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sand.

Soil Tolerance: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH and highly resistant to urban pollution.

Watering: Requires moderate and regular watering, especially during dry spells or while establishing.

Special Features:

Exceptional Colour Retention: Known for maintaining its dark foliage better than similar varieties like 'Crimson King'.

Urban Toughness: Highly tolerant of city smog, heat, and poor soil conditions.

Disease Resistance: Generally hardy, though like all maples, it should be monitored for verticillium wilt.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

Spring: Small, striking clusters of lemon-yellow to maroon flowers appear on bare branches before the dark leaves emerge.

Summer: Lustrous, glossy, deep purple to burgundy foliage that holds its colour exceptionally well.

Fall: Foliage transitions to a deep maroon or bronze-red hue.

Winter: Features a tidy, rounded silhouette and dark, furrowed bark.

Garden Value:

The Royal Red is a premier choice for a specimen shade tree or a dramatic focal point. Its dark, coarse texture creates a stunning contrast against green-leaved plants. It is also an excellent selection for urban streetscapes due to its high tolerance for inner-city environments and pollution.

Wildlife & Human Value:

Wildlife Value: The early spring flowers provide a critical nectar source for bees and pollinators; the dense canopy provides excellent nesting cover for songbirds.

Human Value: Provides superior shade for large yards, adds significant curb appeal with its unique colour, and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance urban landscaping.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

Best planted in spring or fall. Ensure enough vertical and horizontal clearance for its mature size; it should not be planted directly under power lines.

Care:

Light Requirements: Thrives best in full sun to ensure the deepest purple foliage colour.

Moisture Requirements: Prefers average to moist conditions; the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out.

Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This tree should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed to prevent "bleeding" sap.

Tolerances:

Urban pollution, heat, drought (once established), and various soil types.

Tips For Success:

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (avoiding the trunk) to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Sap Management: Only prune in late spring or summer to avoid the excessive sap flow common in the maple family during early spring.

Protection: Young trees may benefit from tree wrap in winter to protect against frost cracks.
Fruit Profile