How to Grow Norway Maple 'Crimson King'

Norway Maple 'Crimson King'

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'

tree

Crimson King is a deciduous ornamental cultivar of Norway Maple prized for its deep crimson-red foliage that persists throughout the growing season, unlike the green parent species. This vigorous, dense tree reaches 40-50 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it an excellent specimen or shade tree for larger landscapes. It produces small yellow flowers in spring before the leaves fully emerge, followed by distinctive winged samaras in fall.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best color development; tolerates partial shade but color intensity may diminish

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Water: Moderate watering; establish deep watering routine during first 2-3 years after planting. Mature trees are drought-tolerant but perform best with occasional deep watering during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soils.

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Spacing: inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with ground surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, adaptable to various soil types

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost at planting Mulch layer (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate temperature Avoid compacted soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 3-7, with best performance in zones 4-6

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree focuses on root development; crown develops typical pyramidal to rounded form

Water deeply and regularly (1-1.5 inches per week), mulch root zone, avoid pruning except for broken branches, stake if necessary in windy locations

Young Growth (Years 2-5)

4 years

Tree increases in height and spread; crimson foliage becomes more vibrant; branch structure develops

Continue regular watering during dry spells, prune to shape and remove crossing or weak branches, maintain mulch layer

Flowering (Spring)

2-3 weeks

Small yellow to red flowers appear in clusters before leaf emergence; highly ornamental stage

No special care needed; flowers precede foliage development, enjoy the early season display

Mature Foliage (Summer)

12-14 weeks

Dense canopy of deep crimson-red leaves provides excellent shade; maintains distinctive color throughout season

Prune lightly to maintain shape, remove any diseased or dead wood, monitor for pests, water during extended droughts

Seed Production & Fall Color (Late Summer-Fall)

6-8 weeks

Winged seed pairs (samaras) develop and mature; foliage may darken further before leaf drop

Monitor for volunteer seedlings if seeds fall in garden beds, rake and compost fallen leaves (or leave as wildlife habitat), no pruning needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Shade-tolerant understory plants: Hosta Shade-tolerant understory plants: Hellebore Shade-tolerant understory plants: Coral bells Shade-tolerant understory plants: Japanese forest grass Complementary trees: Birch Complementary trees: Serviceberry

Avoid planting near:

Shallow-rooted plants (roots inhibit growth of understory plants) Vegetable gardens (dense shade prevents adequate light) Air conditioning units (dense shade reduces efficiency) Storm sewers and septic systems (aggressive root system) Driveways and walkways (root heave can damage pavement)

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in early spring before infestation is severe, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Increase humidity with overhead watering, apply miticides if severe, prune infested branches
Maintain tree health through proper watering and care, remove infested branches, avoid wounding the trunk, insecticide applications only for severe infestations
Prune out heavily infested branches, apply horticultural oil in dormant season, monitor regularly
No cure; plant resistant species instead, ensure proper drainage, avoid wounding tree, remove severely affected branches

Uses

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Specimen & Shade Tree

Landscape

Crimson King serves as a striking focal point in the landscape with year-round deep red foliage that provides reliable, dense shade for outdoor spaces. Its large mature size (40-50 feet) makes it ideal for estates, parks, and large residential properties seeking substantial shade coverage. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

The tree produces abundant seeds (samaras) that feed birds and squirrels; its dense canopy provides shelter for nesting birds and small mammals. The early spring flowers offer pollen and nectar for emerging pollinators. [source]

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Pressed Leaves & Decorative Use

Craft

The distinctive crimson foliage can be pressed for botanical specimens, craft projects, and floral arrangements. Fall leaves maintain rich color even after drying, making them popular for autumn decorations. [source]

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Energy Efficiency & Cooling

Household

As a large, dense shade tree, Crimson King significantly reduces solar heat gain on buildings and surrounding areas, lowering cooling costs and improving outdoor comfort during hot months. Strategically planted on the west and south sides of homes, it provides passive cooling benefits. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental tree; no harvest needed. For seed collection (if desired), gather samaras in fall when they turn brown and papery, dry indoors, and collect winged seeds. Prune selectively in late winter or early spring (February-March) to remove dead, diseased, or crossing wood. Remove lower branches if shade-free zone is needed underneath.

Fun Facts

🌱 Crimson King is one of the few deciduous trees that maintains deep red foliage throughout the entire growing season rather than reverting to green; this consistent color is due to selective breeding and is particularly striking when planted against lighter-colored backgrounds.
🌱 Norway Maples are prolific seed producers and self-seed readily; in some regions, Crimson King is considered invasive due to aggressive seedling establishment, so regular removal of seed-bearing branches may be necessary to prevent ecological impact.
🌱 The tree's name references its striking resemblance to deep crimson fabric; it was introduced to North America in the 1930s and became wildly popular in suburban landscaping, though it has since fallen somewhat out of favor due to invasiveness concerns in certain ecosystems.

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