Crimson Queen Japanese Maple for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on September 29, 2022

Planting instructions

The crimson queen Japanese maple tree can live where there is full sunlight. However, it is ideal to plant this tree in an area of partial shade, especially if you live in the warmer zones of this plant’s growing range. Crimson queen Japanese maple trees will adapt best to soils that are slightly moist, somewhat acidic, nutrient-rich and well-draining. When those conditions are in place, you can begin planting by digging a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and at least twice as wide.

Watering and nutrients

Once you have planted your crimson queen Japanese maple tree, you should water it multiple times per week during the first growing season. After your plant has established itself, your goal should be to maintain a moderate amount of soil moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Often, this means watering about once per week. To feed this tree, you should apply a fertilizer that is relatively low in nitrogen once per year in the early spring.

Pollination

Pollination for a crimson queen Japanese maple tree is typically not of any concern for most gardeners, as this plant does not produce an edible harvest. Also, the flowers of this plant can be so small that you may not notice them at all. However, while small, those flowers are capable of attracting pollinator insects. Since this tree is self-fertile, it is easy for a single specimen to pollinate itself. When this occurs, your crimson queen Japanese maple will develop a set of samaras as its fruits.

Pruning

You should avoid over-pruning your crimson queen Japanese maple tree and any other Japanese maple tree variety you may grow. In most cases, pruning your Japanese maple too much will cause it to quickly produce new growth that is often weak and does not contribute to this plant’s overall health or form. Likewise, the crimson queen Japanese maple tree often creates an attractive weeping shape on its own, which means that shaping is not usually necessary for this plant.

Pests, diseases and animals

Many Japanese maple trees can face challenges related to diseases. However, the good news about the cultivar known as the crimson queen Japanese maple tree is that it often proves to have great disease resistance, which means that it is likely to remain healthy throughout its entire life. With that said, it is possible for pests to infest your crimson queen Japanese maple tree. The most common insects that will harm this tree include aphids, mealybugs, mites and Japanese beetles.

Achieving maximum results

Partial shade becomes increasingly necessary for the crimson queen Japanese maple the farther south you choose to grow it. In warmer zones, afternoon shade is especially beneficial for this plant. When a crimson queen Japanese maple tree receives too much sunlight, it is possible for the normally deep red foliage to lighten and turn green. While this does not mean that your plant’s health is at critical risk, the fading color can detract significantly from this plant’s overall appearance.

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