Crimson King Norway Maple
Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
480 inches
Width
360 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Toxicity
Leaves toxic to horses if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer platanoides is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia, known for its dense canopy and tolerance of urban conditions. It has invasive tendencies in some regions of North America. 'Crimson King' is a popular cultivar distinguished by its rich, deep purple-maroon foliage that holds its color from spring through summer, turning a less spectacular bronze in fall.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun for best leaf color
- Dig a hole two to three times the root ball width
- Place the tree ensuring the root flare is at soil level
- Backfill with original soil, removing air pockets
- Water thoroughly after planting and weekly for the first year
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base
Pro Tip
Prune only in late summer or fall to avoid the heavy sap bleeding common to maples in spring.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells, especially when young
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Monitor for aphids which can cause sticky honeydew
Don't
- Don't plant where its dense shade and shallow roots will inhibit lawn growth
- Avoid heavy spring pruning which causes sap to bleed
- Don't plant in regions where it is considered invasive
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Crimson King Norway Maple questions
What zones can Crimson King Norway Maple grow in?
Crimson King Norway Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Crimson King Norway Maple deer resistant?
Yes — Crimson King Norway Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Crimson King Norway Maple bloom?
Crimson King Norway Maple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Crimson King Norway Maple need full sun?
Crimson King Norway Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Crimson King Norway Maple drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crimson King Norway Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Acer to compare
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Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Orangeola Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Shidare'
Coral Bark Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku'
Final Fire Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Final Fire'
Keep exploring
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Grow Crimson King Norway 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.
