Crimson King Norway Maple
Crimson King Norway Maple is a regal tree that commands attention. With a canopy of bold burgundy foliage that rises to 40 feet in height and nearly as wide, it’s hard to miss! Plant this colorful Maple tree anywhere you want a shady refuge from the hot summer sun, or use it as a sharp color contrast to light-colored walls or fences, or a white-flowering tree like KousaDogwood. No green thumb required with this one, either! Crimson King Maple will give your landscape a big splash of color, but ask for little in return.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-7
- Spacing: 25-35'
- Exposure: Full Sun
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The Story
Norway Maple is a sturdy, adaptable tree with a natural distribution stretching from France to Iran. Red-leaved forms have been known for some time; ‘Schwedleri,’ which has red leaves in spring, but green leaves in summer, dates back to 1869. Crimson King is a superior seedling of Schwedleri that was developed in a Belgian nursery called Gebroeders Tips (“Tips Brothers”?) in 1937. It made its way across the pond in 1948 and was given one of the earliest plant patents awarded—#735 (we are now closing in on #25,000).
The Details
Who can resist this royal ruler? Crimson King Maples are easy-to-grow, pest-free and magnificent shade trees to boot. Large purple leaves cover this noble specimen and maintain their royal color throughout summer, turning a bronzy-red in fall. Be Aware! This regal individual requires ample space to spread its imperial roots. With a tree so glorious - you'll be saying "Yes, your Majesty!" to this one.
How to Grow
Another easy-to-grow tree is the Crimson King Maple, a variety of the Norway Maple. This variety has deep purple foliage. To keep that deep purple color, it needs to be planted in sunny locations. Crimson King’s are slow growers compared to the Red Maples. It tolerates most of the same soil conditions with one exception…he doesn’t like to get his “feet” wet. So constantly wet soils just won’t do! Applying a low rate fertilizer about once a year for the first 3 or 4 years will be beneficial. Fall is the best time to fertilize because the ground is still soft enough for the tree roots to absorb essential nutrients. These nutrients help the tree produce healthy new growth for the following spring. You can also apply the simple pruning method to your Crimson King Maple when needed. It usually isn’t too necessary to prune your Maple at all. There are no serious pest or disease problems for Crimson King Maples although the tree has a minor flaw. Crimson King Maples develop surface roots. As the tree matures, roots seem to poke out of the ground and it looks as if the roots are actually growing on the surface of the ground instead of underground. The only problem with surface roots is that they make it difficult for anything else to grow under the tree. A great place for shaded container gardening!
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size B
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size B Trees:
8-10 ft. tall but many times taller when shipped with a fully developed branching structure. Grown in our #15 tree container, this tree can be planted by one person but it would be much easier with two.
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