Royal Red Norway Maple

Royal Red is a fast-growing Norway maple cultivar with purple-red leaves and an upright young form that broadens into a dense, egg-shaped crown. Yellow-green flowers appear in spring before the foliage; leaves shift to orange and deep yellow in autumn. Trees and Shrubs Online reports that Martin Holmason found a mutant branch in 1962 and Pacific Coast Nursery introduced the cultivar in 1963 ([cultivar history](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/acer/acer-platanoides/)). ## Landscape use and mature size Ebben Nurseries gives a mature range of 12–15 m tall by 8–12 m wide, while Oregon State University lists a point estimate of about 40 by 30 feet ([Ebben](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/acprred-acer-platanoides-royal-red/); [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-platanoides)). Allow room for a large shade or specimen tree; published dimensions vary by growing conditions and reference. ## Siting and seasonal interest Full sun supports strong foliage color. Plant in moist, well-drained soil; the RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable. The purple-red leaves are the main ornamental feature, with yellow-green spring flowers and orange to deep-yellow autumn color ([RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/86268/acer-platanoides-royal-red/details)). Ebben describes the young tree as especially upright and the mature crown as broadly egg-shaped. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and prolonged dry spells. Allow clearance for the mature crown and shallow roots, and prune selectively for structure when needed. Norway maple seedlings can establish beyond planted sites in parts of North America; check regional planting guidance before specifying it ([Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-platanoides)).