Crimson King Norway Maple

Crimson King Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Crimson King')

Crimson King Norway Maple (Acer platanoides 'Crimson King') is a bold shade tree known for its deep purple foliage that holds its color through the growing season and brings instant contrast to green-dominant landscapes. The canopy is dense and substantial, providing real summer shade while the dark leaves create a dramatic, finished look from spring through fall. In brighter light the foliage can read as rich maroon, while in mixed plantings it acts like a strong backdrop that makes lighter foliage and flowering shrubs stand out. If you want a large tree that delivers color without relying on flowers, Crimson King Norway Maple is an easy focal point that adds structure and presence as it matures.

Distinctive Features

The signature feature is the foliage color, with broad maple leaves that emerge deep purple and generally stay dark all season rather than fading to green. The tree forms a wide, rounded canopy with a strong shade effect, making it useful for cooling lawns and outdoor living areas. In spring, small yellow-green flowers may appear, creating an interesting contrast against the dark leaves, followed by winged seeds later in the season. The overall look is confident and architectural, with a canopy that reads as a single dark mass in the best way, anchoring the landscape and giving it depth.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best foliage color in full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during prolonged dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7.
• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with a broad, rounded canopy.
• Mature Size: About 35 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 45 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a large specimen where dark foliage can anchor the landscape and create strong contrast.
• Backyard Shade: Provide cooling canopy over lawns, patios, and outdoor living areas.
• Front Yard Statement Tree: Add curb appeal with a bold canopy color that stands out from the street.
• Contrast Planting: Pair with gold or variegated shrubs and lighter perennials to make their color read brighter.
• Large Property Structure: Use to define open spaces and create a sense of permanence and scale.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two seasons to establish roots; provide supplemental water during extended drought for best canopy health.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to develop strong structure and remove crossing or damaged limbs; maintain good clearance as needed.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfeeding which can push soft growth.
• Placement: Give it room to mature, since the canopy is broad and will cast significant shade.

Why Choose Crimson King Norway Maple?

• Deep Purple Foliage: Delivers season-long color and dramatic contrast without relying on flowers.
• Dense Shade Canopy: Provides substantial summer shade for lawns and outdoor living areas.
• Strong Landscape Presence: Broad, rounded form creates a bold, anchoring silhouette as it matures.
• Easy Design Contrast: Makes lighter foliage, flowers, and variegated plants look brighter and more defined.
• High Impact Focal Point Tree: Adds long-term structure and a confident look to larger landscapes.

If you want a large shade tree with season-long dark foliage that anchors the landscape and creates instant contrast, Crimson King Norway Maple delivers strong structure and focal point presence from spring through fall.