Bonsai Supplies

Japanese Maples are some of the prettiest trees for the sophisticated landscape. Botanically known as Acer Palmatum, the Japanese Maple is one of the smallest Maples in this vast category of trees. Unlike its majestic cousins the Sugar Maple, Scarlet Maple and Norway Maple all of which can skim the sky with impressive height ranging from 50-100 feet tall, some of the tallest cultivars of the Japanese Maple are minuscule by comparison, barely reaching 20 feet. Because of this lack of height and its tendency to branch outward and grow virtually parallel to the ground the Japanese Maple is often referred to as a shrub, though it is technically a small multi-stemmed tree.

The most ornamental of these lovely plants is arguably the “Atropurpureum” Crimson Queen, a Red Japanese Maple. This one is often used as a focal point in Japanese gardens and especially as Bonsai as they are very slow growing and do quite well in containers. This is good to know if you live outside of its preferred comfort zones 5-8. “Crimson Queen” is small enough to be called a shrub but it can easily be pruned to a single stem and to take on any shape you prefer. It can top out around 15 feet but the spread exceeds this to 20 feet wide.

The Red Japanese Maple is mostly pruned to resemble a dome with its branches almost touching the ground. This makes them ideal for planting in groups or as a informal hedge although most gardeners believe they deserve special treatment and should be placed solo as a specimen preferably in the front yard where it can be seen, admired and the envy of all your neighbors. Yes, it is that good.

Being relatively small, the “Crimson Queen” Red Japanese Maple won’t block any view in the front yard and it is quite comfortable being an under-story tree in woodland settings. The leaves are a rich crimson and is one of the best Red Japanese Maples for retaining their color through the summer heat. This is especially true when given a bit of shade. The finely cut and multi-lobed leaves turn scarlet for a great autumn show before dropping in time for winter. It makes a very impressive picture in the garden with the delicate leaves giving it an almost ethereal, hazy glow from afar. But even in winter when it is leafless the bark, a nice reddish color, and it’s graceful arching branches make a nice contrast against the usual starkness of that coldest and bleakest of seasons.

The care for this Maple is consistent with other Japanese Maples. They like a semi-shady spot but the Crimson Queen is fairly tolerant of full sun where water is plentiful. The soil should be rich and well-drained but as with all Maples they require sufficient water when in leaf.

With proper pruning the Japanese Maple can remain a small mound barely ten feet tall but can also be allowed to take whatever shape it chooses. Either way “Crimson Queen” is a stunning addition to any landscape. Consider planting one and you too will be impressed.