Acer  'Jfs-Kw202'
tree

Crimson Sunset Maple

Acer 'Jfs-Kw202'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived tree, 60+ years

Native To

Hybrid origin (A. truncatum x A. platanoides)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid maples are cultivated to select for superior traits such as form, foliage color, adaptability, and pest/disease resistance from two or more parent species. Sold as CRIMSON SUNSET Maple, 'JFS-KW202' is distinguished by its upright, oval form and its deep purple foliage that holds its color well through the summer heat, unlike many other purple-leaf maples.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides dramatic, season-long color with its rich purple leaves, offering a strong contrast to green landscapes. It has a tidy, upright-oval shape that fits well in residential settings.
Practical UsesIt is a tough and adaptable shade tree, suitable for use as a street tree or lawn specimen, with improved heat and drought tolerance over older purple-leaf varieties like 'Crimson King'.
Ecological BenefitsLike other large trees, it provides shade which cools the surrounding environment, sequesters carbon, filters air pollutants, and offers habitat and cover for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site in full sun for best foliage color.
  2. Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
  3. Place the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
  4. Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
  5. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
  6. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and infrequently during periods of drought to encourage a deep, resilient root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for the best, most consistent purple color.
  • Water regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system.
  • Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
  • Mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Don't

  • Do not plant too deep; ensure the root flare is visible.
  • Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
  • Do not over-fertilize; established trees rarely need it.
  • Avoid major pruning in spring when maples 'bleed' sap.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent medium-sized shade treeStriking street tree with season-long colorBold specimen for landscape contrast

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Perovskia atriplicifolia Spiraea 'Goldmound' Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Sunset Maple questions

What zones can Crimson Sunset Maple grow in?

Crimson Sunset Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crimson Sunset Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Crimson Sunset Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crimson Sunset Maple bloom?

Crimson Sunset Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crimson Sunset Maple need full sun?

Crimson Sunset Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Crimson Sunset Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crimson Sunset Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Crimson Sunset Maple with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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