Royal Red Norway Maple
Acer platanoides 'Royal Red'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
450 inches
Width
330 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
60+ years
Native To
Europe and Western Asia (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, but can be toxic to horses.
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer platanoides, the Norway Maple, is a large, deciduous tree from Europe known for its tolerance of poor soils and urban pollution. It has a dense canopy and distinctive winged seeds (samaras). 'Royal Red' is a popular cultivar that maintains its rich maroon-red leaf color throughout the entire growing season. It is similar to 'Crimson King' but is considered to have a better, more consistent color and slightly slower growth.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
- Place the tree so the root flare is visible at the soil line.
- Backfill with the excavated soil.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Pro Tip
Provide a large mulched area around the base to protect the shallow roots from lawnmower damage and soil compaction.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly for the first two years to establish a deep root system.
- Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
- Provide ample space for its mature size.
- Mulch to protect the shallow roots.
Don't
- Don't plant where its dense shade and shallow roots will kill turfgrass.
- Avoid planting near pavement or foundations due to surface roots.
- Don't prune in late winter or spring, as it will 'bleed' sap heavily.
- Do not plant this tree in regions where it is considered invasive.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
Royal Red Norway Maple questions
What zones can Royal Red Norway Maple grow in?
Royal Red 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 Royal Red Norway Maple deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Royal Red Norway Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Royal Red Norway Maple bloom?
Royal Red 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 Royal Red Norway Maple need full sun?
Royal Red Norway Maple does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Acer to compare
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
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 Royal Red 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.
