Acer platanoides Crimson King

Acer platanoides Crimson King

Why Buy Me?

• Fantastic Autumn foliage
• Flowers in Spring
• Known for it's maroon, purple leaves.

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Best colour develops in full sun, where the deep burgundy-purple foliage maintains its intensity throughout the growing season. Will tolerate light shade but with slightly duller foliage.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Grows well in a wide range of soils including clay, loam, or sandy types. Tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils.

Exposure:
Performs well in open sites, urban landscapes, and large gardens. Hardy, tolerant of pollution and wind once established.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Relatively drought-tolerant once mature, but young trees need regular watering during dry spells. Mulch helps retain soil moisture.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in autumn or early spring while the soil is moist and cool. Avoid planting in hot summer or frozen conditions.

Spacing:
Allow 8–10 metres (26–33 feet) between trees. Reaches a mature height of 12–15 metres (40–50 feet) with a broad, rounded crown spreading 10–12 metres (33–40 feet).

Watering & Fertilization:
Water well during the first 2–3 years to establish deep roots. Once mature, water during prolonged droughts. Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late summer or autumn to avoid excessive sap bleeding. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Minimal pruning needed due to naturally tidy shape.

Propagation:
Propagated by grafting to ensure true-to-type foliage and form. Not grown from seed, as seed-grown trees do not retain the crimson foliage.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Emerges with striking deep purple-red leaves. Small yellow-green flowers contrast dramatically against the dark foliage, adding ornamental value.

Summer:
Foliage deepens to a rich burgundy-purple, maintaining vibrant colour throughout summer. Dense canopy provides ample shade.

Autumn:
Leaves may turn reddish-bronze or retain their dark tones before falling. Less vivid autumn colour compared to other maples, but still attractive.

Winter:
Bare branches form a strong, rounded silhouette. Bark is grey-brown and furrowed, adding structure and seasonal interest.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract early pollinators, including bees. Dense canopy provides nesting sites for birds, but this cultivar offers less ecological benefit than native maples.

Garden Use:
Excellent shade or specimen tree for large gardens, streets, parks, and urban landscapes. Valued for its bold foliage colour and symmetrical form. Suitable for avenue planting or creating contrast in mixed borders.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with golden- or green-foliaged plants that contrast with its dark canopy, such as Cornus alba ‘Aurea’, Spiraea japonica, Rudbeckia, ornamental grasses, and spring bulbs. Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials like Heuchera, Geranium, or Brunnera once the canopy matures.