Comparing Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen
Key Differences Between Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen
Both the red dragon Japanese maple and the crimson queen maple are cultivars of the Japanese maple, or Acer palmatum. Both of these cultivars grow in agricultural Zones five through eight. Additionally, both plants require full or partial sun, moist and drained soil, and regular watering on a weekly basis during droughts. The primary distinction between crimson queen and red dragon Japanese maple is the specific hue of the plants’ leaves. Crimson queen’s leaves are brownish-red in color, whereas the red dragon’s foliage is a rich, dark red. Like crimson queen, the red dragon Japanese maple holds its color longer than other Japanese maple varieties. There are a few additional differences between the red dragon and crimson queen Japanese maple. The crimson queen is taller than the red dragon variety. The growth rate for the red dragon is medium to fast, while the crimson queen is known for growing quite fast. Also, the crimson queen is the more high-maintenance of the two cultivars, but both are fairly easy to grow.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Classification
Acer palmatum, or the Japanese maple, has two cultivars: the red dragon and the crimson queen. A cultivar is a type of plant that has been cultivated through selective breeding. In Latin, acer means “sharp,” and palmatum means “formed like a hand,” both of which describe the leaves.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Description
The Japanese maple is a little tree that is a member of the soapberry family. It is indigenous to central and southern Japan as well as southeast Korea, and it is prized for its various beautiful variations. The species is well known for its stunning deep red and orange summer color that deepens throughout the fall, and both upright and weeping forms occur. The red dragon is a gorgeous dwarf maple with red lacy foliage that excels in containers. At maturity, it reaches a height and width of roughly eight feet. The crimson queen is a gorgeous Japanese maple with red lace leaves. This low-branching dwarf tree has a wonderful weeping habit. At maturity, the crimson queen grows to be around 10 feet tall and wide, making it a great specimen for containers.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Uses
All Japanese maples are used for landscaping purposes. There are some distinct differences between the red dragon and crimson queen maples that make them both perfect for landscaping uses. The striking colors and shapes that the Japanese maple displays make it a popular landscape plant. But it serves more than just aesthetic benefits. In general, maple wood works well for furniture since it can be carved into a variety of designs while still being durable. Since ancient times, many Acer species’ sap has been used to make maple syrup, a common sweetener. However, Japanese maples don’t exhibit this as frequently. The Japanese maple is primarily utilized in landscaping as an ornamental tree or shrub, though.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Origin
The older variety of the two cultivars we are exploring today is the crimson queen, which was developed in a small nursery in New Jersey more than 60 years ago. Since then, it has expanded widely and is now available in practically all garden centers. Red dragon is a very recent variety. It first appeared in New Zealand in the early 1990s. From then, the red dragon traveled to America and rose to fame there as well. This cultivar is still not as common as the crimson queen variety, but it is certainly becoming more popular.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: How to Grow
Growing Japanese maples is not challenging. Numerous Japanese maple species are small enough to grow in pots or even as bonsai. With their finely split foliage visible up close, these provide a portable display of color on a miniature scale. A mature Japanese maple is content with a little more shade but does best in full sun everywhere else in its hardiness range save for the southernmost regions. For the greatest foliage color, it does require some sun, but the amount you give it might vary dramatically. If its leaves start to sear in the summer, it has probably been overexposed to the sun. Don’t be afraid to dig up and move your Japanese maple if, after a year or two, the location in your garden does not appear right. One of the most crucial elements in growing this tree effectively is location, so some trial and error may be necessary. Late summer or early fall, at least a month before the ground freezes, is the ideal time to transfer the tree. Remember that Japanese maple foliage is fairly delicate and dries up very fast in strong winds. Of course, this does not mean that your tree needs to be grown in completely enclosed locations. It will be alright if you just make sure the wind isn’t constantly whipping it around. While the red dragon and crimson queen Japanese maples can be grown in a similar fashion, there are some care differences to note for the best possible results. Ensure that your crimson queen’s soil has a pH level of 5.8 to 6.8 and your red dragon’s soil has a pH level of six to seven. When planting from a sapling or seed, ensure that you give your crimson queen Japanese maple more space between plants, as they can grow quite a bit wider than their red dragon counterpart. A good rule of thumb is to plant either cultivar ten to twelve feet apart.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Protections and Conservation
The Japanese maple is a non-native species in the United States. While some horticulturists consider the plant to be invasive, it is not listed as an invasive species by any government or protective organization. The Japanese maple is not considered endangered or at risk of becoming extinct. In fact, it is considered a great insect pollinator.
Red Dragon Japanese Maple vs. Crimson Queen: Special Features
The red dragon Japanese maple holds a very brilliant color. While both cultivars in this guide are vibrant, nothing beats the range of purples and reds that a red dragon cultivar boasts at maturity. Red dragon leaves are very saturated and eye-catching, which is why it is popular as an ornamental shrub. Crimson queens have some impressive sizing. This cultivar is extremely fast-growing, too. You can expect a growth rate of one foot per year, given you’re in the appropriate agricultural zone. When it comes down to it, the red dragon Japanese maple and crimson queen variety are both absolutely gorgeous trees to use in a landscaping plan. There’s no need to choose between them, either. Both plants have different aesthetic benefits and look beautiful together in the same landscape. If you can’t pick one, why not choose both?
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Yes. Red maples can include true red maples, Norwegian red-hued maples, and both weeping and upright Japanese maples with red leaves.
