Crimson King Maple
Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'
A stunning cultivar of Norway Maple that maintains deep burgundy-red foliage throughout the entire growing season. This fast-growing shade tree creates a dramatic focal point in any landscape with its rich purple-red leaves that seem to glow when backlit by sunlight. Perfect for homeowners wanting bold color without sacrificing the classic maple tree shape.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–7
USDA hardiness
Height
40-50 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Crimson King Maple in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Crimson King Maple · Zones 3–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 30 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Crimson King'Red leaves, not well suite for the south 'Crimson Sentry' 'Globosum' 'Stand Fast' Green, leathery leaves, 'Crimson King', 'Crimson Sentry', 'Globosum', 'Stand Fast'. Propagation: Seed.
Harvesting
1.5"-2" long horizontally spreading wings mature September to October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Samara. Length: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Northeastern Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Heat, Pollution
- +Attracts: Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in., Width: 30 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae which have one brood per season and appear from April-October in the south. Adult Imperial Moths do not feed.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Thrives in the shade provided by the maple and complements its root system without competition
Astilbe
Flourishes in partial to full shade and adds colorful blooms under the maple canopy
Coral Bells
Tolerates shade well and provides attractive foliage contrast to the maple's deep red leaves
Ferns
Natural woodland companions that thrive in the cool, moist conditions under maple trees
Impatiens
Shade-loving annuals that provide continuous color throughout the growing season
Caladium
Colorful shade perennials that complement the maple's dramatic foliage
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that naturalizes well under maples and helps retain soil moisture
Begonia
Shade-tolerant flowering plants that add brightness to the understory
Keep Apart
Tomatoes
Maple roots compete aggressively for nutrients and water, stunting tomato growth
Grass Lawn
Struggles to grow in deep shade and competes with shallow maple roots for resources
Roses
Require full sun and struggle in maple shade while competing for nutrients
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally healthy, some susceptibility to verticillium wilt
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects, maple gall mites
Diseases
Verticillium wilt, tar spot, anthracnose