Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’

Acer platanoides Crimson King leaf (17/04/2011, London)

Position: Full sun but will tolerate partial shade

Soil: Moist but well drained

Flowering period: Late spring

Eventual Height: 25m

Eventual Spread: 15m

Hardiness: 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Sapindaceae

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ is a deciduous tree with a vigorous spreading habit. It has large palmate, dark red-purple foliage, which matures to dark purple. It bears small but conspicuous, upright corymbs of red tinged yellow flowers. Winged seeds about 3 to 5 cm long usually follow these.

The species, Acer platanoides, commonly known as Norway Maple, is native to eastern Europe and western Asia and was first commercially introduced in 1946.

The etymological root of the binomial name Acer is derived from the Latin meaning ‘sharp’ in reference to the classical roman use of the genus to make spears. Platanoides is in reference to its resemblance to the Platanus genus.

Acer platanoides Crimson King (17/04/2011, London)

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’  is useful to the landscape architect as a large specimen tree to add colour to a scheme. Especially useful for shade planting.

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ will tolerate poor, compacted soils and urban pollution. Plant trees in holes that are as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Once established the plant is drought tolerant.

Ecologically, Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ will attract pollinating insects such as bees that will feed on its nectar.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ requires little care, any dead or damaged material should be removed in winter or as soon as the plant is fully dormant.