Crimson queen

Character & interest

‘Crimson Queen’ is one of the easiest red dissectums to place: it naturally draws an umbrella shape (wide, often wider than tall), very graphic. The finely cut leaves create a lace effect and a light feel, even when the colour is dark. Ideal if you’re looking for an elegant red, without stiffness.

Colours

• Spring : crimson red / deep purple, very decorative.

• Summer : burgundy to purple, sometimes shifting bronze/greener during hot spells depending on exposure.

• Autumn : scarlet red (often very clean), sometimes with orange-red nuances.

Habit & vigour

Weeping, spreading, dome-shaped habit. Moderate, steady vigour (quickly forms a dense specimen).

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: around 1.5 to 2.5 m ultimately, with a similar spread (often as wide as it is tall, sometimes wider depending on training and conditions).

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun (morning). It tolerates light well, but protection from dry wind and scorching sun (especially in the afternoon) helps keep the foliage impeccable, particularly in a pot.

Origin & history

A widely distributed horticultural cultivar, now a reference among red dissectums. It is notably presented as having been introduced in the United States by Princeton Nurseries in the 1960s.