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Plant Guide

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Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

  • Common Name
    Crimson Queen Red Japanese Maple
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Shrub
  • Size
    4' -8' x 5' - 10'
  • Flower Color
    Red
  • Bloom Time
    N / A
  • Leaves
    Purplish-Red to Crimson Red
  • Evergreen
    Deciduous
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    N / A
  • Growth Rate
    Slow
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Fall Color
    • Low Maintenance
    • Specimen
    • Unusual Shape
  • Water Use
    • Moderate
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Partial Shade
    • Shade
  • Soil Type
    Loam
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    This cultivar is one of the best Japanese maples for color and shape. It is a dwarf tree or multi-stemmed shrub with cascading branches and a weeping habit. It has finely cut, palmate (7 -9 lobes) leaves that are a bright red in the spring, maturing to burgandy in summer and turn crimson red in the fall. The flowers are very small and red. This is a beautiful, ornamental specimen tree or shrub. It can be grown in both the ground and in containers.

    This Acer prefers light shade and a sheltered location but can tolerate sun in coastal areas. In hotter parts of Marin the afternoon sun will scorch leaves. Plant in amended, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. If you have poorley drained clay soil consider planting your tree slightly above grade & improve the soil drainage with pine bark mulch. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch arond the tree to protect the tree roots from the drying summer heat. Keep the mulch 1 - 2 inches away from the trunk to keep the trunk free from diseases. Water frequently until established.

    Your tree may need staking for the first several years to help it achieve height. It can be pruned anytime however, it is best done in late winter before bud swell. Also remove any suckers that come up near the bottom of the trunk.

    This plant is susceptible to Verticillium Wilt and stem canker.

     

  • Master Gardener Comments

    I have several varieties of Acer palmatum. Crimson Queen is my favorite. I love the change in leaf color with the change of seasons. My plants are all located in light shade. They, like roses, can tolerate some drought when established.

  • Varietals

    A. palmatum 'Autumn Fire' - yellow green leaves with pink edges in spring turning to green in summer and bright red in fall

    A. palmatum 'Garnet' - burgandy leaves in spring and summer changing to scarlet in fall. More horizontal in form then most others