Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Princess’

Taking pride of place in our Acer House, ‘Crimson Princess’ has beautiful, finely divided leaves held delicately on densely-layered, arching branches. This regal and compact tree will bring a bold swathe of fluttering garnet, topaz and burgundy hues to your garden in Spring. It holds its colour well, and as the season progresses, this noble acer’s stems will gradually suffuse with the deepest crimson. A rich, warm choice of tree to plant with accompanying evergreen balls and blobs of a similar depth of tone or to contrast with lighter fluffier specimens. Placed in a palette that might contain tighter clipped topiary, ‘Crimson Princess’ like many of our acers, adds a fantastic element of subtle moving texture as well. 

This hardy tree can reach 1.5m in height with a spread of 2.5m and makes for a super focal point. These versatile proportions also make it an adaptable maple for incorporating into a garden design where you might like it (or a number of them) to provide mid-level interest. Deciduous, its seasonal changes are always a draw for the eye. The crimson feathers will decorate your garden as they fall, revealing beautifully complex and architectural stems. A fine reward and a small price to pay for a little eventual sweeping-up. 

Hardy and good on most types of fertile soil, it likes it moist but well drained. Position the tree away from cold or persistent winds. Like most of us it doesn’t like either. Prune lightly for health and to encourage a neat form. Do this before spring, when the sap begins to rise.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.