Royal Red Norway Maple

Like many Acer platanoides species, this Norway Maple tree has discrete yellow flowers that appear in spring and contrast fantastically with the dark purple foliage, which gradually turns orange and yellow in the autumn.

Acer platanoides Royal Red is a vigorous tree that tolerates most soil types and air pollution and resists the perils of drought. As a young tree, Acer platanoides Royal Red is conical in shape before developing into a more broadly oval crown.

This large maple tree makes a super choice for avenue planting and should be planted at a minimum of 10m centres. Its large and dark leaves have the potential to gobble up light, creating a sombre environment below the canopy. It is, therefore, far better to give this tree space to use the accessible light to explode the beauty in its dark foliage.

Interestingly, dark foliage contrasts well in an avenue with a green-leaved form such as Acer platanoides Emerald Queen or a yellow version such as Acer platanoides Princeton Gold and can be extremely effective if planted alternately to accentuate the vivid colours. Dark colours are useful in making a statement in the landscape, as contrasting colours tend to draw attention.

To get the most out of a landscape, it is advisable to situate deep or dark colours towards the edge rather than at the front of a scheme.

Mature height: 12-17m

Common names

Royal Red Norway Maple

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Foliage Colour

Red/Purple

Looks good in

Spring

Location

Parkland, Avenue

Genus

Acer