Acer platanoides Crimson King - A Regal Addition to Large Gardens
Norway maple Crimson King
Position
- Prefers full sun to partial shade for the richest leaf colour
- Suitable as a specimen tree on lawns, in avenues, or large gardens and parks
- Can tolerate exposed sites but performs best when sheltered from strong winds
Hardiness
- Hardy down to approximately –24°C (–11°F)
- Well-suited to all UK regions, including colder inland and upland areas
Soil
- Thrives in well-drained soils; performs well on loam, clay (if not waterlogged), or sandy ground with good structure
- Strong growth is supported by soil improved with compost or well-rotted manure
- Avoid sites that are prone to waterlogging or excessive drought
- Adaptable to acid, neutral, or alkaline soils
- Will flourish across a broad range of pH—generally not fussy if soil is improved and healthy
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Reaches 6–10 metres (20–33 feet) after 5–10 years
- Develops a wide, rounded crown, making it an imposing feature tree
Seasons of Interest
- Foliage Interest: Deep, rich purple-red leaves from spring through autumn; consistent, bold colour with little fade
- Autumn Colour: Leaves often turn a reddish-bronze before falling
- No variegation, but very striking, uniform leaf colour throughout the season
- Flowering: Clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers in early spring (April–May) before the leaves emerge
Additional Notes
- Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould in spring to maintain moisture and feed roots
- Water thoroughly in prolonged dry spells, especially when young or container-grown
- Prune lightly in winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches—heavy pruning is rarely required
- Protect young plants from late spring frost and strong winds
- Can be grown in large containers if provided with regular water and feeding
Acer platanoides Crimson King - Bold, Beautiful, and Easy to Grow
Looking to make a statement in your garden? The Acer platanoides Crimson King is a truly striking ornamental tree, prized for its deep purple foliage and strong structure. This fast-growing Norway maple variety is both practical and eye-catching, offering year-round interest and a reliable performance in a wide range of garden conditions.
What makes Acer platanoides Crimson King so special?
The Acer platanoides Crimson King is a cultivar of the Norway maple, known for its bold colour and dependable growth. Its leaves are a deep purple that stays vibrant throughout the spring and summer, creating a dramatic contrast in any landscape.
Unlike many ornamental trees, this cultivar offers consistent colour and form with minimal fuss. The foliage doesn’t fade in strong sunlight, and it maintains a rounded, well-branched habit. As a medium-sized deciduous tree, it suits both urban and rural gardens alike.
Its small clusters of yellow flowers in spring add a subtle detail before leaves emerge. The contrast between those yellow flowers and dark purple leaves is a striking feature, particularly when paired with lighter shrubs or grasses.
How does the Crimson King maple grow through the seasons?
The foliage of Crimson King emerges deep purple in early spring and remains rich in colour right through to autumn. During the growing season, the tree holds its colour well without fading or browning in high sun.
Come autumn, the leaves may soften in colour, sometimes taking on bronze or reddish tones. This adds variety to the autumn foliage colour ranges and ensures the tree remains attractive as the season progresses. The dark leaves fall cleanly, making autumn tidying a simple task.
As a deciduous tree, it sheds its leaves over winter, leaving a strong trunk and branch framework that still provides visual structure.
What soil does Acer platanoides prefer?
The Norway maple is remarkably tolerant of various soil types. From sandy soils to chalky clay, this tree can adapt well as long as there’s good drainage. It prefers moist soil enriched with organic matter, and it benefits from a layer of mulch around the tree to retain moisture.
Avoid planting in areas prone to standing water, as this can lead to root rot. However, the Crimson King is forgiving of occasional dry spells once established, provided it was planted correctly and mulched well.
Is the Crimson King a good tree for urban gardens?
Absolutely. One of the best features of this maple is its tolerance to pollution. It thrives in city environments, along roadsides, or in exposed front gardens. The foliage stays healthy even in areas with airborne grime or vehicle emissions.
Thanks to its vigorous growth and robust trunk, the tree also withstands wind and poor air quality well. These characteristics make it ideal for public spaces, housing developments, or anywhere a low-maintenance yet ornamental tree is required.
This round-headed tree also provides excellent summer shade, making it a favourite in urban landscaping schemes.
How should you stake and support young trees?
Staking is essential, especially in exposed or windy sites. Use a tree stake driven in at a 45-degree angle, positioned away from the main stem. Secure with a soft, adjustable tie just above the lowest branch.
Check the stake regularly to ensure it doesn’t rub or dig into the bark. As the tree gains girth, loosen the tie and remove the stake after one or two growing seasons. A strong root system will develop best when the tree sways slightly in the wind.
Proper staking prevents leaning or bark damage while encouraging upright, round-headed growth.
What pruning is needed to keep the Crimson King healthy?
Pruning is rarely needed, but it’s worth shaping your maple between November and March while it’s dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Use clean, angled cuts and avoid over-thinning the material.
Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary, as large wounds can significantly impact sap flow. The natural, round-headed habit is easy to maintain with light annual trimming.
If suckers or shoots form around the base of the trunk, cut them back to ground level to maintain a clean, single-stem structure.
What aftercare is needed in the first few years?
Aftercare in the early years makes a huge difference. Water regularly through the first summer, especially during dry spells. Avoid weed competition by maintaining a clear zone around the tree base.
Apply mulch annually to retain soil moisture and add organic nutrients. Check ties and stakes each season and adjust them to suit the tree’s girth.
Once established, Acer platanoides Crimson King is a low-maintenance tree. However, annual checks help prevent problems and support steady growth.
Which plants offer perfect pairings for this maple?
The dark purple foliage of Crimson King contrasts well with pale or golden-leaved plants. Consider planting silver-leaved shrubs, soft grasses, or even yellow variegated perennials nearby.
Try pairing with chartreuse hostas, creamy white hydrangeas, or soft green ferns. These combinations brighten the area beneath the maple and make the tree’s colours shine.
If you’re planting multiple trees, leave plenty of space between the trunks to allow for their full, round-headed shape.
From Darren’s Patch
In my garden, Crimson King stands tall as one of those trees that truly earns its place. Its deep purple leaves never fail to draw the eye, especially when set against softer greens or silver foliage nearby. I love how it holds its colour right through summer—no fading, no fuss. It’s a tree that quietly gets on with the job, offering structure, shade, and a strong visual anchor without constant upkeep. I often recommend it to gardeners who want something dramatic but dependable, especially in exposed or urban spots where many trees would struggle. If you’ve got the space, it’s well worth planting—just give it a good start and a bit of early care, and it will reward you for years to come.
Key Points to Remember
- Crimson King is a cultivar of the Acer platanoides (Norway maple), with deep purple foliage
- It’s a fast-growing, pollution-tolerant, and structurally strong ornamental tree
- Best planted in autumn or winter, but can be planted at any time if container-grown
- Thrives in most soil types, including chalky and sandy soils, with good drainage
- Needs mulch, water, and weed-free conditions during its first growing season
- Stake lightly in windy areas and remove stakes once the root system is strong
- Lightly prune between November and March to shape and maintain health
- Choose trees with a strong central stem and good girth when buying from a nursery
- The foliage remains a rich dark purple throughout spring and summer
- Creates a strong contrast when paired with silver or lime-green shrubs or ground cover
Acer platanoides Crimson King thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, improved soil of any pH, and is hardy to –24°C (–11°F) or lower. It will reach 6–10 m (20–33 ft) in height in 5–10 years, featuring outstanding purple-red foliage from spring to autumn and neat, yellow-green flowers early in the season. This bold, low-maintenance tree is ideal for large spaces, providing dramatic colour and reliable structure with minimal care beyond watering in dry spells, annual improvement, and light pruning.
Want to learn about other ornamental tree varieties? Read about Acer pseudoplatanus Leopoldii here.
For more information on Ornamental Trees for your garden, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Acer platanoides Crimson King, and why is it so popular?
A: Acer platanoides Crimson King is a striking cultivar of the Norway maple, admired for its deep purple foliage and broad, round-headed form. This ornamental tree provides dramatic colour contrast throughout the spring and summer and develops warm autumn tones as the year progresses. As a pollution-tolerant and fast-growing deciduous tree, it is well-suited to urban and suburban gardens. The Crimson King maple is often used as a specimen tree in lawns, parks, and avenues, where its dark foliage contrasts beautifully with lighter shrubs and trees, delivering year-round structure and seasonal interest.
Q: What growing conditions does the Crimson King maple prefer?
A: The Acer platanoides Crimson King thrives in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, chalky, and loamy soils, provided they are well-drained. It prefers a position in full sun to light shade to bring out the intensity of its deep purple leaves. While this Norway maple cultivar is tolerant of pollution and exposed locations, it performs best in consistently moist soil and enriched soil. Adding well-rotted compost or organic matter at planting time helps retain moisture and supports a healthy root system. Once established, it is remarkably low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Q: When and how should I plant a Crimson King Norway maple?
A: The ideal time to plant a Crimson King maple is during its dormant period, between November and March, although container-grown specimens may be planted at any time of year. Choose a location with space to accommodate its medium to large size and rounded form. Prepare a generous planting hole, mixing in compost to enrich the soil. Position the tree at the same depth it was grown in the pot, ensuring the main stem is upright and supported with a tree stake if necessary. Water well after planting and apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Q: How should I care for my Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ after planting?
A: Aftercare is essential during the first few seasons to establish your Crimson King maple. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells in the growing season. Keep the area around the trunk free of weeds and apply mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil structure. In early spring, feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or apply a mulch of well-rotted compost. Prune only in late summer or early autumn to avoid sap bleeding. Remove any damaged or diseased branches and maintain a strong, single stem when shaping the tree when it is young.
Q: Does the Crimson King maple offer good autumn colour?
A: Yes, although its standout feature is the rich purple foliage seen in spring and summer, Acer platanoides Crimson King also offers excellent autumn colour. As the season turns, its leaves shift subtly to tones of bronze, burgundy, and crimson, adding warmth and visual depth. The foliage often remains well into the autumn, providing interest when many other trees have already shed their leaves. This reliable seasonal display, combined with its robust nature, makes it a highly regarded ornamental tree in gardens and public landscapes.
Q: Where can I buy Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ in the UK?
A: The Crimson King maple is widely available from UK garden centres, nurseries, and online retailers that specialise in ornamental trees. Look for trees grown in pots with a well-formed single stem and strong root system. When purchasing online, ensure the supplier is reputable and provides guidance on the tree’s pot size, girth, and aftercare. Buying from a specialist nursery ensures your tree has been properly propagated and will thrive in British growing conditions.