Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Crimson Queen Japanese maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen'
'Crimson Queen' Japanese maple forms a broad mound of cascading branches beneath finely cut purple-red leaves. Summer foliage remains the main attraction, with scarlet tones possible in autumn. Allow approximately 8–10 feet of height and 10–12 feet of width for an older plant rather than treating its young size as permanent. A sheltered bed or patio setting lets the layered outline develop naturally. Provide well-drained soil and consistent summer moisture, protecting the fine foliage from hot afternoon sun and drying wind. Mulch the roots and prune selectively; heavy shearing sacrifices the graceful structure that makes this maple distinctive.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 8–10 ft
- Mature spread
- About 10–12 ft
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Works well as a specimen near a patio or at a lightly shaded garden edge. Give the low, cascading branches enough space to develop their full outline.
Where to plant
Allow approximately 10–12 feet for mature spread and 8–10 feet for height. Protect from drying winds and hot afternoon exposure, which can damage the finely divided leaves.
Through the seasons
Purple to deep red leaves provide summer color and may turn scarlet in autumn. Small spring flowers can be followed by winged seeds.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Summer watering is important for laceleaf maples in Northwest gardens. A sheltered site reduces leaf scorch, and avoiding exposed frost pockets helps protect early spring foliage.
Soil, drainage & water
Keep the soil evenly moist and well drained. If foliage becomes unusually pale, check soil pH and root conditions before adding fertilizer; alkaline soil can contribute to yellowing.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Mulch the root area and prune conservatively to maintain the layered branches. Avoid repeated shearing, especially as the crown becomes denser and more twiggy with age.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Foliage scorch
Fine leaf edges turn crisp or brown when heat, wind, or dry soil stresses the tree.
Help your plant thrive
Water consistently during dry spells and mulch the roots. Choose afternoon shelter where heat exposure is strong.
Chlorosis
Leaves may become unusually pale or yellow when soil conditions restrict nutrient availability.
Help your plant thrive
Check drainage and test soil pH before applying fertilizer. Keep roots evenly moist without leaving them waterlogged.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
Lion's head Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'
Crinkled green foliage and an upright, sculptural outline distinguish this slow-growing Japanese maple, with gold, orange, and red autumn color in a sheltered garden.
Explore this plant
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A versatile small tree with hand-shaped leaves, varied branching, and colorful autumn foliage; choose each species-grown Japanese maple for its individual form and character.
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Garnet Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
Finely cut red foliage drapes over a broad, mounded framework, making 'Garnet' a colorful specimen for sheltered patios, garden edges, and generously sized beds.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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