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Ornamental deciduous hybrid maple
Sapindaceae
Heat-tolerant purple shade maple
Crimson Sunset® hybrid maple
Acer truncatum × Acer platanoides ‘JFS-KW202’
Crimson Sunset® (<em>Acer truncatum</em> × <em>Acer platanoides</em> ‘JFS-KW202’) is a Zone 4 hybrid maple with a compact, symmetrical, upright crown that becomes oval with age. Thick glossy leaves remain deep purple through heat and wind, then turn orange-red, red-bronze to reddish purple in autumn. Allow approximately 10.5 m in height and 7.5 m in spread at maturity. Across Canada, plant it in full sun and deep, fresh, well-drained soil with a broad uncompacted root zone. Once established, it tolerates heat and dry periods better than many purple-leaved maples. Reserve it for spacious landscapes and keep it away from natural areas because one parent is Norway maple. The phrase Crimson Sunset maple identifies this cultivar; Crimson Sunset maple tree is a common search form.
- Quantity
- 16 gallons
- Exposure
- Full sun; light partial shade tolerated with less intense colour
- Hardiness
- Zones 4 to 8
Discover the plant
Common nameCrimson Sunset® hybrid maple
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciestruncatum × platanoides
CultivarJFS-KW202 (Crimson Sunset®)
TypeOrnamental deciduous hybrid maple
Botanical nameAcer truncatum × Acer platanoides ‘JFS-KW202’
Crimson Sunset® hybrid maple (Acer truncatum × Acer platanoides ‘JFS-KW202’) is a medium-sized deciduous tree selected by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. and protected by patent PP21838. Its compact, symmetrical, upright crown becomes oval with age and is supported by a well-defined central leader. Thick, glossy, deep purple leaves retain colour through heat and wind, then shift to orange-red, red-bronze and reddish purple in autumn. At maturity, allow approximately 10.5 m in height and 7.5 m in spread. The substantial canopy provides useful summer shade in spacious residential and urban landscapes.
Across Canada, plant Crimson Sunset® in full sun for the darkest foliage and balanced structure. It tolerates varied urban soils, heat and moderate drought once established, but performs best in deep, fertile, fresh and well-drained soil. Water deeply through the first two growing seasons and prolonged dry periods, keep the root flare visible, and apply 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the trunk. Avoid standing water, road salt, compaction, small paved pits and sites beneath overhead wires. Provide a broad uncompacted rooting area from the beginning for dependable growth.
Use Crimson Sunset® as a shade tree, specimen, street tree in generous soil volume or structural feature on a large property. Reserve mature width at planting and keep buildings, utilities and paving outside the root zone. Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by winged samaras. This hybrid is not indigenous to Canada and has Norway maple parentage; avoid planting it beside natural areas and remove volunteer seedlings. Retain a sound central leader, remove only dead, damaged or crossing wood and never top the tree. Regional native maples are preferable when ecological restoration is the primary goal.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space approximately 7.5 m (25 ft) apart or more according to use
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Vegetative propagation to preserve the characteristics of cultivar ‘JFS-KW202’, marketed as Crimson Sunset®
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
Approximately −34 °C (−29 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly fresh through the first two growing seasons. During prolonged drought, irrigate slowly across the root zone before leaves wilt. Reduce frequency once the tree is well established without confusing drought tolerance with a preference for dry soil. Check moisture beneath mulch and avoid small applications beside the trunk, standing water and systems that keep bark constantly wet. Expand the irrigated area as roots and canopy spread beyond the original planting hole.
Soil type
Choose deep, fertile, organic-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Slightly acidic loam supports establishment, although the tree accepts different textures when air and water move properly. Avoid waterlogged or heavily compacted ground and root systems trapped beneath extensive pavement. A broad, undisturbed root zone is essential to sustain the dense crown and reduce leaf scorch, dieback and other recurring stress-related problems.
Fertilization
In fertile soil, surface-applied mature compost and organic mulch are usually sufficient. Test the soil if growth or leaf colour appears weak, then apply a tree fertilizer only when supported by results and according to its label. Avoid heavy nitrogen, late-season feeding and products placed against the trunk. Balanced extension growth produces a stronger framework than forced soft growth and reduces unnecessary maintenance.
Moisture
Moderate to fresh moisture; evenly moist but drained soil
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trunk, root flare, central leader and main unions after winter. Restore 5 to 8 cm of mulch without covering bark, remove tight ties and water when rainfall is inadequate. In summer, monitor wilting, leaf scorch, aphids, scale insects, leaf spots and Verticillium wilt; first check moisture, drainage, compaction and root injury. Remove only dead, broken or crossing wood after leaves expand or during dormancy and retain one sound central leader. In autumn, water deeply before freeze-up when soil is dry and collect samaras or seedlings near natural areas. In winter, keep salt-laden snow away and protect a young trunk from rodents without binding the guard. After storms, have major cracks assessed by a qualified arborist. Clean tools between trees, inspect visible girdling roots and remove guards before heat builds. Never top the crown and avoid preventive treatments without a diagnosis. Reassess clearance from buildings, wires and paving because a 7.5 m mature spread requires permanent room. Record irrigation, heat and damage dates to distinguish site stress from pest or disease injury. At bud break, compare several branches before treating a colour change as abnormal. After leaf fall, identify weak shoots and plan only necessary corrections. During drought, direct water across the full root zone rather than applying small amounts beside the trunk. Collect heavily spotted foliage and dispose of it according to local guidance. Check drainage during snowmelt and protect soil from construction traffic. Inspect bark after winter temperature swings and keep lawn equipment outside the mulch ring. A consistent annual record helps a nursery or arborist interpret recurring stress accurately.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Very large, deep and stable container for temporary cultivation of young specimens only.
Container culture can work temporarily for a young tree but quickly becomes restrictive because of this maple’s growth and eventual mature size. Use a very large, deep and stable container with ample drainage, together with a structured growing medium that retains consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Place the container in full sun and monitor watering frequently during summer because the limited soil volume dries more rapidly than garden soil. In Quebec, containerized roots are also more exposed to severe winter temperatures and require substantial protection. Since the tree can eventually reach approximately 10 m (32.8 ft) tall, transplanting it into the ground is recommended before the specimen becomes too large to move and establish safely.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
10 m (32.8 ft)
Width / spread
8 m (26.2 ft)
Flower color
Greenish yellow, discreet
Foliage color
Glossy deep purple in summer; orange-red, red-bronze to reddish purple in autumn
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact, upright and symmetrical, becoming oval with age
Bloom period
Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring before or with the leaves. They are discreet at crown scale and are not the principal feature, but may provide a temporary resource for some insects. Abundance varies with tree age, weather and site. Avoid insecticides during bloom unless diagnosis and need are established. Observe flowers without confusing them with emerging purple foliage. Winged samaras develop afterward when pollination succeeds. Flowering does not reduce the value of the summer canopy or autumn colour.
Fruiting
Winged samaras follow spring flowering when the tree is mature enough and pollination succeeds. They remain secondary to the purple foliage. Because one parent is Norway maple, avoid planting this hybrid beside woodlands or sensitive natural areas. Monitor volunteer seedlings, remove them before establishment and do not move soil containing them. The fruit is not intended for consumption. Quantity varies among years and with neighbouring maples. A lack of samaras on a young tree should not be interpreted as permanent sterility.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Crimson Sunset® with pale ornamental grasses, green conifers, dogwoods, golden ninebarks and white perennials able to tolerate increasing shade. Low-vigour native shrubs add flowers, fruit and habitat. Establish companions toward the perimeter without burying the flare or cutting roots. Keep a broad mulch ring open for inspection and irrigation. Avoid large competing trees placed too close, invasive groundcovers and plants requiring frequent cultivation beneath the crown. Adjust the palette gradually as shade becomes denser. Similar moisture needs simplify long-term care and reduce root disturbance.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How large does Crimson Sunset® maple grow?
Crimson Sunset® reaches approximately 10.5 m in height and 7.5 m in spread at maturity, or about 35 by 25 ft. Its form is compact and upright for a tree of this size, then becomes oval with age; compact does not mean suitable for a small yard. Measure clearance from the trunk centre and keep buildings, wires, utilities, paving and other large trees away. The 16-gallon sale plant is young and will occupy considerable space. Correct placement allows the central leader to remain intact and prevents topping or large future cuts. Climate, soil volume and growing-season length influence how quickly final size develops.
Does Crimson Sunset® keep purple foliage through summer?
Yes. Thick glossy leaves were selected to retain deep purple colour through heat better than many other purple maples. Full sun supports the darkest tone. Heavy shade, excess nitrogen, severe drought or confined roots can still change intensity or cause stress. Water deeply during establishment, protect a broad root zone and avoid fertilizing without demonstrated need. In autumn, colour naturally shifts toward orange-red, red-bronze and reddish purple. This seasonal transition does not indicate loss of vigour or an incorrect cultivar. Compare several branches and recent weather before treating any unexpected colour change as a pest or disease problem. Healthy roots help foliage retain colour.
Is Crimson Sunset® drought tolerant?
Once well rooted in generous soil volume, Crimson Sunset® tolerates heat and temporary dry periods better than many purple-leaved maples. It is not an arid-site tree. During the first two growing seasons, maintain consistent moisture with deep irrigation. Later, water through prolonged drought before leaves wilt or brown. Mulch held away from the trunk reduces evaporation. A tree confined in a small paved pit, compacted soil or a salty site loses much of this tolerance. Always check soil moisture before adding water. Expanding irrigation across the developing root zone is more effective than frequent small applications beside the trunk. Site quality remains decisive.
How should Crimson Sunset® maple be pruned?
Retain one sound central leader and perform most structural work while the tree is young. Remove dead, broken or diseased wood, a crossing branch and a weak union before it becomes large. Avoid topping, shearing and repeated cuts intended to contain a tree planted too close to a structure. Maples can bleed heavily in spring, so work after leaves expand or during dormancy in dry weather with clean tools. Step back between cuts and remove only a small portion of the crown. Consult a qualified arborist before any large cut or when a crack affects a main scaffold. Correct placement remains the most effective pruning strategy.
Is Crimson Sunset® native or invasive in Canada?
Crimson Sunset® is a horticultural hybrid between Shantung maple and Norway maple; it is not indigenous to Canada. Norway maple is regulated or identified as invasive in several Canadian jurisdictions, although that classification does not automatically document every hybrid cultivar as equivalent. As a precaution, avoid planting beside woodlands, shorelines or sensitive natural areas, monitor samaras and remove volunteer seedlings. For ecological restoration or land beside sensitive habitat, choose a regionally native maple suited to the site. Do not interpret the absence of fruit on a young tree as permanent sterility. Check current provincial and municipal guidance before planting near natural lands.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Samaras may provide food for some birds and small mammals, while the dense crown offers perches and cover. Wildlife use varies with the site, tree age, and surrounding vegetation. This horticultural hybrid is not native to Canada; native shrubs and perennials can complement the planting and diversify the food and shelter available to visiting wildlife.
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