Japanese Laceleaf Maple

About this plant

Acer palmatum subsp. matsumurae 'Crimson Queen' is a true jewel for any landscape, offering year-round beauty. Its delicate, lace-like leaves emerge a brilliant crimson in spring, deepen to a rich burgundy through summer, and ignite with fiery red and orange tones in autumn. This cultivar develops a graceful, weeping habit, creating a captivating focal point in gardens and containers. Ideal for rock gardens, alongside water features, or as a specimen tree, 'Crimson Queen' adds unparalleled texture and color. Its distinctive form and mesmerizing foliage make it a designer's favorite for adding sophistication and drama to both traditional and modern garden designs. At A Cut Above, each 'Crimson Queen' is meticulously grown to ensure a robust root system and beautiful branching structure, guaranteeing a premium planting experience and lasting enjoyment for your outdoor space.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires protection from strong winds and intense afternoon sun in hot climates. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges, as heavy pruning can detract from its natural shape.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.