Description
ACER PLATANOIDES ‘CRIMSON KING’
The Crimson King Maple is Connecticut’s answer to the gardener who wants drama without apology. This isn’t a tree that whispers—it announces itself with deep burgundy foliage that holds its color from spring through fall, creating a bold statement in any landscape. If you’ve ever wished for a shade tree with genuine presence, one that transforms your entire garden’s color palette and stops neighbors mid-conversation, this is the plant that delivers.
What it looks like
Picture a classically shaped maple with a dense, rounded canopy, except instead of the expected green, you’re looking at rich, deep crimson-purple foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed in that characteristic maple fashion, and they maintain their dramatic coloring throughout the growing season—not fading to green, not turning muddy. Come autumn, they deepen further into almost black-burgundy tones before dropping. In spring, clusters of small red flowers appear before the leaves fully unfurl, adding another layer of interest. The bark is dark and handsome, becoming more prominent once trees mature and lower branches can be selectively pruned.
Growing it in your garden
Crimson King Maples are surprisingly adaptable to Connecticut’s climate, thriving throughout USDA zones 4 and 5 without fussiness. They prefer full sun to reach their most vibrant coloring—too much shade and you’ll lose some of that signature crimson intensity. While they’re not picky about soil type, they’ll perform best in well-draining conditions and appreciate consistent moisture during establishment and through hot, dry spells. These are sturdy trees that don’t demand obsessive care, making them reliable choices for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Through the seasons
Spring brings those charming red flowers and the emergence of burgundy leaves, creating a rich tapestry as the canopy fills in. Summer is when this tree truly earns its keep, providing deep shade under a canopy of dark foliage—perfect for cooling a western-facing wall or creating a dramatic backdrop for lighter-colored plantings. Fall color is less of a transformation and more of an intensification, the burgundy deepening rather than changing completely. Winter reveals the elegant branch structure and attractive bark, especially beautiful when backlit by morning light or dusted with fresh snow.
Where it shines
This is your statement tree for prominent locations. Plant it where you want to anchor a garden corner, shade a patio seating area, or create a living screen between properties. It’s spectacular as a specimen tree in a lawn setting, where nothing competes with its color. Crimson King also works beautifully in groupings of three, staggered at different distances, to create layered visual interest. Because of its deep coloring, it pairs especially well with lighter architectural elements—pergolas, stone walls, lighter-colored house paint—creating striking contrast.
Perfect companions
The dark foliage of Crimson King Maple creates a gorgeous backdrop for plants with chartreuse or silver foliage. Consider pairing it with Golden Duranta, variegated hostas, or silver-leafed artemisia in nearby borders. White-flowering shrubs like oakleaf hydrangeas or white-blooming dogwoods pop beautifully against this burgundy background. In shade beneath the canopy, hellebores and coral bells with burgundy undersides create a cohesive color story, while hostas with white variegation brighten shaded areas.
Care tips
Water regularly during the first year and during Connecticut’s occasional dry spells—deeply and thoroughly, but not waterlogged. Prune in late winter while dormant, removing any crossing branches or those that hang too low if you’re creating shade for walkways or patios. Feed established trees minimally; too much nitrogen fertilizer can reduce the intensity of burgundy coloring. Watch for aphids occasionally in spring, which can cause honeydew drip, but this is rarely a serious problem. Japanese beetles find maples attractive, but Crimson Kings are resilient enough to bounce back from minor damage.
Quick facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-5
- Mature Height & Spread: 35-50 feet tall, 25-40 feet wide
- Bloom Season: Early spring (inconspicuous flowers)
- Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily for best color)
- Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture especially during establishment and dry periods
- Available at: Both our retail and wholesale locations
