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Crimson King

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

  • 11-year bare-root tree £19.95
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
  • 22-year pot-grown tree £44.95
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
Pre-ordering
You can pre-order now for delivery from August 2021. You do not need to pay at this stage - just add items to the basket and checkout as usual.

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 Award of Garden Merit
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colour
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightTolerates shadePrefers full sun
  • PruningLight prune
  • 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. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.

Acer Pla Crimson King maple tree