Discover the Crimson Prince Japanese Maple. Learn its growth rate, size, sun needs, and how it compares to Crimson Queen. Get expert planting and care tips.
The Crimson Prince Japanese Maple is a standout tree that brings deep, rich color to any garden. I’ve grown many Japanese maples over the years, and this variety consistently impresses with its vibrant foliage and strong growth. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Crimson Prince Japanese Maple, from its specific size and growth rate to its care requirements and how it compares to other popular varieties like the Crimson Queen.
Key Takeaways: Crimson Prince Japanese Maple at a Glance
- Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.
- Growth Rate: Considered fast-growing for a Japanese maple.
- Foliage: Deep purple-red leaves that hold their color well through summer, turning brilliant scarlet in fall.
- Key Advantage: An improved ‘Bloodgood’ with better color retention, hardiness, and resistance to leaf scorch.
Crimson Prince Japanese Maple: An Overview
The Crimson Prince Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Prince’) is an upright, broadleaf deciduous tree prized for its ornamental value. It is known as an “improved” version of the popular ‘Bloodgood’ cultivar-1. It was selected for its deeper purple-red summer color, excellent red fall color, better winter hardiness, and faster growth rate-1.
I find its dark purple, almost black leaves have a slight shine that makes them particularly attractive in the landscape. The rough gray bark and red branches add visual interest even in winter.
Growth Rate and Size Specifications
Understanding the potential size of this tree is crucial for proper placement in your landscape.
Growth Rate
The Crimson Prince has a fast growth rate for a Japanese maple. You can expect it to reach 15 feet tall within 10 years under good growing conditions.
Mature Dimensions
At maturity, this tree typically reaches:
- Height: 15 to 25 feet
- Width/Spread: 15 to 20 feet
Its mature form is upright-arching and spreading, with dense branching that makes it an excellent privacy screen.
Growing Conditions and Care Guide
To keep your Crimson Prince healthy and vibrant, it’s important to meet its basic needs.
USDA Hardiness Zones
The Crimson Prince Japanese Maple grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Some sources note it can also thrive in zone 9b. It tolerates humidity better than some other Japanese maple varieties.
Sunlight Requirements
This tree performs best with sun to mostly shade. For ideal leaf color and health, provide morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. While it can tolerate more sun than other red-leaf varieties, especially in cooler climates, hot afternoon sun can sometimes lead to leaf scorch.
Soil and Water Needs
- Soil: Plant in average, rich, and well-drained soil. It is not particular about soil pH but grows best in rich soils.
- Water: It prefers even moisture and regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. During the active growing season, water every 1-2 weeks, moistening the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches each time.
Planting and Maintenance
When to Plant
The best times to plant are in early spring or fall when temperatures are milder.
How to Plant
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface.
- Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it down.
- Water deeply and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning Guidelines
Prune your Crimson Prince twice a year for optimal health and shape.
- Early Spring: Prune before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or poorly angled branches to encourage a healthier crown.
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Focus on thinning inner branches to improve air circulation and remove any remaining dead wood. Prune lightly, removing no more than 20-30% of the branches to maintain the tree’s natural shape.
Crimson Prince vs. Crimson Queen: What’s the Difference?
Many gardeners struggle to choose between the Crimson Prince and Crimson Queen. They are quite different trees suited for different landscape uses. This table clarifies the key distinctions.
| Feature | Crimson Prince Japanese Maple | Crimson Queen Japanese Maple |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading, and arching | Weeping, mound-like, and wider than tall |
| Mature Height/Spread | 15-25′ H / 15-20′ W | ~8′ H / 12′ W |
| Best Landscape Use | Specimen lawn tree, privacy screen | Accent plant, container gardening, weeping focal point |
| Foliage Type | Broad, large lobed palmate leaves | Fine, lacy, deeply dissected leaves |
Landscape Uses and Companion Plants
The Crimson Prince’s size and form make it incredibly versatile.
- Specimen Tree: Its striking color and form make it a perfect focal point in a lawn or garden bed.
- Screening Plant: The dense, upright growth habit is ideal for creating a beautiful and effective privacy screen.
- Container Planting: While a large tree, it can be grown in oversized containers for many years.
Excellent Companion Plants:
Underplant your Crimson Prince with shade-tolerant plants that complement its foliage. Great options include:
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons for spring bloom color.
- Hostas for their varied foliage textures.
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) for a cascading effect.
- Astilbe for its feathery plumes of flowers.
Where to Find a Crimson Prince Japanese Maple for Sale
You can purchase this tree from many online nurseries like The Tree Center-2, NatureHills.com-5, and specialty growers like MrMaple.com-6. Always buy from a reputable source to ensure you get a healthy, correctly identified tree.
Final Thoughts
The Crimson Prince Japanese Maple is a superior, vigorous tree that delivers multi-season interest with minimal fuss. Its ability to hold its stunning red color through the heat of summer, coupled with its adaptability and growth rate, makes it a rewarding choice for both new and experienced gardeners. If you have the space for a small to medium-sized tree and want a bold, beautiful focal point, the Crimson Prince is an excellent investment.
