What Is the Crimson King Maple Growth Rate?

The Crimson King Maple, a cultivar of the Norway Maple known as Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’, is popular for its deep purple to maroon foliage that holds its color throughout the growing season. Understanding the tree’s growth rate is a practical part of landscape planning, as it helps determine its placement and long-term role in a garden.

Crimson King Maple Growth Rate

The Crimson King Maple is characterized by a slow-to-moderate growth rate, gaining between 12 to 24 inches in height per year. This pace places it in a manageable category for many residential settings. Its growth is most noticeable during its juvenile stages when it establishes its root system and primary branching structure.

As the tree approaches its full size, the annual rate of growth decreases significantly, with energy shifting to canopy development. This predictable slowdown means the tree will not quickly outgrow its intended space, making it a reliable choice for long-term landscape planning.

Mature Size and Shape

Over several decades, the Crimson King Maple develops into a substantial shade tree. It reaches a mature height of 35 to 45 feet, with some specimens reaching up to 50 feet in ideal conditions. This vertical growth is balanced by a broad, spreading canopy nearly as wide as the tree is tall.

The canopy develops into a dense, rounded or oval shape, providing a thick blanket of shade. Its eventual size and dense foliage make it an impactful specimen tree and a strong focal point in the landscape.

Factors That Influence Growth

Sunlight

To achieve the best growth and most vibrant leaf color, the Crimson King Maple should be planted in a location that receives full sun. Direct sunlight is necessary for the tree to produce the pigments that give the leaves their deep purple hue. While the tree can tolerate partial shade, its growth may be slower, and the foliage can fade to a duller, greenish-bronze.

Soil

This maple is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions. It can tolerate various soil textures, from sandy loam to heavier clay. For optimal growth, it performs best in soil that is consistently moist yet well-drained, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged.

Water

Watering practices are important for a newly planted Crimson King Maple. During its first few years, consistent and deep watering helps the tree establish a strong and expansive root system. Once mature, the tree is considerably more tolerant of short-term drought, though it still benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain its health and vigor.

Fertilizer

In average to fertile soils, the Crimson King Maple typically does not require supplemental fertilization. If the soil is particularly poor or a soil test indicates a specific nutrient deficiency, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring to encourage healthier growth.

Climate

The Crimson King Maple is a hardy tree well-suited to a range of climates. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, where it can withstand cold winters and moderate summer heat, making it a reliable performer.