As much as we wish we could grow the purple leaf Norway maples, they simply will not survive our hot, humid summers. We were cautiously optimistic when we heard that the breeders at J. Frank Schmit, had created a more heat tolerant version, Acer ‘Crimson Sunset’ (aka: JFS-KW202), by crossing the purple Norway maple, Acer platanoides, with the more heat tolerant, Asian maple species, Acer truncatum. After six years in the ground, we can confidently claim that Acer ‘Crimson Sunset’ is a smashing success. All that remains is for both nurseries and gardeners in hot summer climates to find out about this amazing maple, that even holds its purple foliage color through the summer. Mature size is 35′ tall x 25′ wide. Compared to the old 1947 standard, Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’, the hybrid is also a denser, taller grower. Hardiness Zone 4a-8b, at least.
In New England, we have problems with Norway maples reseeding. You don’t have that problem down south?
Down here in the South, they don’t survive long enough to even flower.
I just planted one here in Central MS. Hoping it holds up to the hype because they are BEAUTIFUL!!!!