Norway Maple ‘Crimson King’ Seedling 20/40cm (9cm)

The Norway Maple ‘Crimson King’ is a magnificent deciduous tree that brings dramatic colour to gardens throughout the year. These vigorous seedlings develop into impressive specimen trees, renowned for their stunning deep purple-red foliage that creates an unforgettable focal point in any planting scheme. From the moment the leaves unfurl in spring, Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’ commands attention with its rich, wine-dark canopy that holds its colour remarkably well through summer, intensifying to deeper tones as autumn approaches.

This sapling, currently measuring 20-40cm and supplied in a 9cm pot, represents excellent value for gardeners willing to nurture a young tree into maturity. The compact root system establishes readily when planted out, and these seedlings display the characteristic vigour of Norway Maples, growing steadily once settled in their permanent position. The deep crimson-purple leaves provide a striking contrast against green-leaved plants, making this cultivar particularly effective when positioned where sunlight can illuminate the foliage, creating an almost luminous effect.

In late spring, ‘Crimson King’ produces clusters of small yellow-green flowers that provide an attractive contrast against the emerging dark foliage. These blooms are followed by the distinctive winged seeds (samaras) that maples are famous for, adding architectural interest as they develop through summer. The tree develops a broad, rounded crown with age, creating substantial presence and valuable shade in larger gardens.

Growing Conditions and Care

Norway Maples are exceptionally adaptable trees that thrive in the British climate. Plant your sapling in a position with full sun to partial shade, though the deepest leaf colour develops with good light exposure. These trees tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to sandy loam, provided drainage is reasonable. They’re remarkably hardy and cope well with urban pollution, making them suitable for town and city gardens.

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to help establishment, particularly during dry spells. Once established, ‘Crimson King’ becomes quite drought-tolerant, though young saplings benefit from consistent moisture. Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth, and mulch around the base with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk itself.

Pruning is best carried out during late summer to early autumn when the sap flow is reduced. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and shape the canopy as desired. Young trees may need formative pruning to develop a strong branch structure. These seedlings will develop the characteristic dense, rounded form naturally with minimal intervention.

‘Crimson King’ performs beautifully in mixed borders where its dark foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for lighter-coloured plants, or as a standalone specimen on lawns where its architectural qualities can be fully appreciated. The dense canopy creates deep shade beneath, so consider this when planning underplanting.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
8–12 metres