Acer Platanoides Royal Red Norway Maple

Acer Platanoides Royal Red, more commonly known as Norway Maple Royal Red, is a handsome fast-growing large deciduous tree. The Royal Red variety is similar to Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry but is slower growing, more upright in habit and the foliage is more purple than red. 

In April, before the foliage unfolds, this deciduous tree produces clusters of bright yellow flowers. Adorning the bare stems, the blossoms are borne in umbels. Following the flowers, the first leaves appear as the spring ends. Starting out as a rich, deep shade of purple, the deeply lobed foliage softens to a glowing burgundy hue in the autumn.  As autumn progresses, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow and orange.

Acer Platanoides Royal Red will thrive in almost any soil, as long as it is well-drained. To encourage the vibrant colour of the foliage, plant this showy cultivar in full sun. Remarkably tough, this cultivar is drought resistant and is not bothered by strong winds or urban pollution and is a good choice for coastal and city gardens.

Part of an American selection of a Scandinavian cultivar, Norway Maple Royal Red is remarkably robust and tough. Bred to withstand even the severest European climates, this purple-leaved maple is fully hardy in the United Kingdom, and can survive even if the temperatures drop to 40 degrees below zero. Frost hardy and tolerant of harsh, cold winds, this cultivar does not require a sheltered position in the garden.

Considered large, this tree will grow to be approximately 10 to 15 metres in height, with a dense crown up to 12 metres in width. Another noteworthy quality of this particular variety is its resistance to powdery mildew, which usually causes trouble for maple cultivars. Generally considered to be pest and disease free.

Attractive and elegant, Acer Platanoides Royal Red adds drama and boldness to any landscape. The imposing size and the upright habit with an outstanding rounded crown make it ideal for a specimen tree or for lining avenues or walkways. Its deep purple foliage can look even more impressive when contrasted by evergreen cultivars, so consider pairing it with bright green varieties in a mixed border.

You might be interest in other purple-leaved varieties we have for sale such as Fagus Sylvatica Purpurea Pendula, Berberis X Ottawensis Purpurea or Acer Palmatum Dissectum Firecracker. See also the regular Norway Maple sold as a mult-stem tree, the variegated variety Acer Platanoides Drummondii or Acer Platanoides Globosum also known as the Mop Head Maple.