Variety Palmatum Crimson Queen

JAPANESE MAPLE CRIMSON QUEEN

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Crimson Queen has long been a favourite of gardeners and it’s easy to understand why. As the leaves open in the spring they are red right from the start, and a particularly attractive shade of red. Throughout the year the leaves remain red only becoming an even deeper red in colour before they fall in late autumn.Crimson Queen grows to an eventual height of about 3m (10ft) if it is not pruned but judicious pruning can reduce that height to as low as 1m (3ft).


Picture of the tree

The natural cascading shape can be seen in the top right hand picture. This makes Crimson Queen ideal either as a centre piece in a small garden or grown as a companion to other plants and trees. It grows particularly well with rhododendrons and azaleas providing colour when its companions are past their best.

The growing conditions for Crimson Queen are similar to other Japanese Maple trees although this variety is very tolerant of sun. It will stand temperature up to 36°C / 95°F for a few days with little or no evidence of sunburn. In these conditions however, the leaves loose some of their red colour taking on an orange hue.

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR ACER PALMATUM CRIMSON QUEEN

Genus Acer

Species palmatum
Variety ‘Crimson Queen’
Light Most conditions, tolerates sun well
Hardy Yes
Soil Most, but best slightly acidic and
well-drained
Height 3m / 9ft after 20 years
Spread 4m / 13ft after 20 years
Spread Short stem with a mounded crown. Can be
pruned to many shapes.
Colour Red throughout the year, more deep crimson
in autumn.
Colour Yes, an ideal subject for containers
Bonsai No

LEAF AND TREE FORM


Leaf
Crimson Queen is part of the dissectum group of acer palmatums and has typical leaf form. They are sized medium to large and have seven to fined fine, long lobes. The individual leaves are almost like thin thin strands giving the tree a deceptively delicate appearance.The leaves remain red throughout the growing season and even in winter, when the leaves have dropped, the stems and stalks remain red.

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