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Crimson King

Acer platanoides
Crimson King has received the RHS Award of Garden MeritCrimson King is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

Crimson King is a popular purple-leaved form of the Norway Maple species Acer platanoides.

The pale green flowers tinged with red appear first in spring, closely followed by the large characteristic 5-lobed dark purple leaves.

The tree is attractive all year-round, but is particularly impressive in the autumn, when the leaves turn yellow and crimson (especially in areas with sunny days and cold nights).

Crimson King makes a striking tree on its own, and is also very effective when planted as a contrast alongside other maples with green foliage.

Crimson King maple trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £75.00
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

How to grow

Crimson King is a fast growing maple, likely to reach 5m within 10 years and continuing to grow thereafter.

This is a versatile tree. It prefers an open sunny situation but will cope with some shade. It is a popular street tree, on account of its fairly upright growth and tolerance of polluted environments. It is also a good choice for cold or exposed situations.

Crimson King characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colour
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightTolerates shadePrefers full sun
  • PruningLight prune
  • WildlifeRHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Leaf colourDark purple
  • Leaf colour - autumnYellow / Crimson
  • Country of originBelgium
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Acer Pla Crimson King maple tree

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.