The Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’) is a beautiful, slow-growing tree that is perfect for small yards and gardens.
With its deep red leaves and elegant shape, the Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a popular choice for landscaping.
If you are thinking about growing a Red Dragon Japanese Maple, here are some tips to help you get started.
Japanese Maples like soil that drains properly and is moist, neutral to slightly acidic, and nutrient rich. They will grow in a range of soils, however. Mulch protects the roots from harsh weather conditions by keeping them wet. A layer of 2 inches of mulched earth should be added.
How to grow red dragon Japanese maple
Start with a young tree from a nursery or garden center.
Plant the tree in early spring or fall in a location that gets partial shade to full sun.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down lightly as you go.
Water deeply immediately after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy until the tree is established (this may take several weeks).
Once your Red Dragon Japanese Maple is established, it will need little supplemental watering unless there is a prolonged drought.
Where can I get a Japanese red maple tree
If you live in an area where the climate is suitable for growing Japanese maples, you can find these trees at your local nursery or garden center.
You can also order them online from a number of different sources.
- CANNOT SHIP TO AZ – Due to Federal Restrictions, Bloodgood Japanese Maple Trees are unable to be shipped to Arizona. If you live in this state and order this plant, your order will be canceled.
- 4-5 FEET TALL – Your Bloodgood Japanese Maple tree will arrive 4-5 feet tall. Once established, it can mature to a height of 15 ft. Its tidy stature is well-suited to more compact gardens, entryways, accents, or as property dividers.
- EASY TO GROW – Cold hardy down to -10 degrees and adapts to partial shade or full sun. So, you don’t have to worry about tall shade trees nearby or shade from close structures. Best of all they thrive without much fuss, so you can plant it and forget it.
- CATCH FIRE – Imagine eye-catching, reliable red fall color that’s second to none. A fresh, richly hued focal point of any landscape, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple Tree is known for standing out with amazing color.
- ALL SEASON SHOWSTOPPER – Its foliage stays scarlet for more than just a few weeks like many other varieties. Though the color occasionally fades in high heat, you still get months of amazing visual interest.
Do Japanese maples need fertilizing?
Fertilize your tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application.
Should you prune a Japanese maple
In general, Japanese maples do not need pruning except to remove any dead or damaged branches.
However, you may want to prune to shape the tree or control its size. If so, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Do Japanese red maples suffer from any pests or diseases
Japanese maples are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can sometimes be affected by aphids, scale, or other sucking insects.
These pests can be controlled with a hose-end insecticide such as Safer Soap.
Powdery mildew is a occasional fungal disease that may affect Japanese maples.
It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and can cause them to drop prematurely.
The best way to control powdery mildew is to plant resistant varieties of Japanese maple and to avoid overhead watering. If the problem is severe, you can treat with a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew.
At a glance growing red dragon Japanese red maples
Choose the right location. The Red Dragon Japanese Maple prefers partial sun to full shade and well-drained soil.
Avoid planting the tree in an area that is exposed to strong winds or hot afternoon sun.
Prepare the planting hole. When you are ready to plant the tree, dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the roots gently with your hands before planting.
Water the tree regularly. The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a drought-tolerant tree, but it will need regular watering during its first growing season to help it establish a strong root system.
After that, you can water the tree less frequently.
Fertilize the tree in spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to give the Red Dragon Japanese Maple a boost of nutrients.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
Prune the tree as needed. The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a slow-growing tree, so it won’t require much pruning.
However, you may need to trim back any dead or damaged branches.
How fast does a Japanese red maple grow?
The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a slow-growing tree, so it won’t get too big too fast. It can grow up to 2 feet per year.
How big do Japanese red maples get?
The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a dwarf variety, so it will stay relatively small. It can reach a height and width of 6 to 10 feet.
Final Words
The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a beautiful tree that is perfect for small gardens or areas where space is limited.
With its striking red leaves and compact size, the Red Dragon Japanese Maple is sure to add beauty and interest to your landscape.
Follow the tips above to learn how to grow and care for this lovely tree.
