Unique Features: The Crimson Sunset is a hybrid of the purple-leafed Norway maple and the Shantung maple. Shantung maples are native to central Asia and have exceptional heat and mild drought tolerance.  The Crimson Sunset grows into a compact, upright oval shape, making it a better choice for smaller planting sites. The leaves of the Crimson Sunset can vary in shape, from a smaller version of the multi-pointed lobe form of the Norway maple, to the star-like, smooth edged and 5-lobed leaf of the Shantung. The heat resistant foliage is mostly purple during the growing season, and deepens to a maroon in fall. It does have seeds. The Shantung maple heritage also makes the Crimson Sunset more tolerant of higher pH soils. Maples ‘wake up’ as early as February, and the winter watering should be increased at this point.