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Things You Never Knew About the Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

Sonia Nair
Very popular for their colorful foliage, Crimson Queen Japanese maple trees are commonly used for landscaping. Here is a brief overview about this ornamental tree.
Belonging to the genus Acer, maple trees have always been showstoppers for their spectacularly colored fall foliage. Among the different types of maple trees, Japanese maples are very widely used for landscaping purposes. Compared to other types of maples, Japanese maples are smaller.
Japanese maples grow to a maximum height of 20 feet, whereas some other types can have a height of around 100 feet. So these smaller maple trees are often called shrubs, that can branch outward. Due to this feature, Japanese maple trees grow parallel to ground and form perfect domes.
Japanese maples can be classified on the basis of leaf shape and color. While the red-colored ones are most popular among the Japanese maples, those with lacy leaves are more preferred.
Crimson Queen Japanese maple trees have both these features, and are highly valued. They are very popular for landscaping purposes and are also grown as bonsai. While they have a bright red fall color, the leaves of these plants are dissected and lacy.

Characteristic Features

The scientific name of this plant is Acer palmatum dissectum. The cultivar name - Crimson Queen, differentiates the plant from some of the green-colored Japanese maples with lacy leaves. This plant can grow to a height of around 10 feet, with a maximum spread of 12 feet. These Japanese red maples have the weeping habit.
During April, the leaves of Crimson Queen Japanese maple turn purplish-red. This foliage color can be retained throughout the summer, if the plant is kept in dappled light or brightly shaded areas. Otherwise, the leaves will turn green, with purple margins.
However, during autumn, the foliage of this plant turns bright crimson red. The plant will reveal its limbs during winter. So, the Crimson Queen Japanese maple tree can be an all-season delight, if taken care of properly.

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Care

Being a slow-growing plant, Crimson Queen Japanese Maples are ideal for containers, and as bonsai trees. If you are interested in growing this Japanese maple, then make sure that the plant is properly taken care of. Restricted pruning is recommended for increasing the lifespan of this plant. Here are some tips to grow this plant in the proper manner.
♣ It is better to grow this maple in a slightly acidic, moist soil, with good drainage. The plant needs sufficient water, when in leaf.

♣ Though partial to full sun is often recommended for these plants, exposure to excessive sunlight is not advisable. Established trees can be grown in hotter locations, provided, you water them regularly.
♣ Young plants have to staked, so as to promote upward growth. Otherwise, they may grow sidewards and turn downward.

♣ If you want to retain the red foliage throughout the summer, then place the trees in dappled light or brightly shaded areas.
♣ Pruning has to be done annually, to shorten the branches, that may press into the ground. You can also splurge your creativity in pruning, and give some shape to the plant.
If you want to grow this maple tree in your garden, contact the local nursery and get a healthy sapling. They can also help you with some tips for growing crimson queen Japanese maple tree.