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Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Japanese maple) is a compact, deciduous tree valued for its long-lasting red to purple foliage.

At a glance

Hardiness

5 – 8

Light

Full sun, Partial shade, Light shade

Mature size

350 – 600 cm tall × 400 – 600 cm wide

Garden uses & seasonal interest

Plant characteristics

Plant type

Tree

Season of interest

April - June

Where it grows best

Water

Moist, well-drained soil

What to expect

Blooms

Apr–Jun

Good to know

Great in pots
Drought tolerant
Bird friendly
Low maintenance
Bushy · Compact

Perfect for

Architectural plantingFoundation planting

Seasonal interest

How this plant changes through the year.

Spring

Flowers
red
Foliage
purple
Fruit
red

Summer

Foliage
purple
Fruit
red

Fall

Foliage
red
Fruit
red

Care Information

Pruning
Pruning is usually light and focused on removing dead, damaged or crossing branches to maintain a neat framework. Most pruning is best done from late autumn through winter. Heavy cuts in spring are best avoided as sap can run freely.
Soil
Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Cultivation
Plant in a sheltered spot to help prevent winter drying and leaf damage. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing seasons, then water deeply during dry spells. Mulch over the root area to help steady soil moisture and reduce temperature swings. Prune lightly in winter to remove dead or rubbing branches, keeping cuts small. Spring flowers are small, and red winged seeds appear later in the year.
Pests
Aphids, scale insects, mites and borers may appear, especially when the tree is stressed by heat or dry soil. Even moisture, mulch over the root area, and reasonable airflow through the canopy help reduce pest problems.
Diseases
Leaf spots, cankers and root problems can develop, and leaf scorch is common in hot, windy or dry conditions. Good drainage, steady watering during dry spells, and removing damaged growth help limit issues.
Propagation
For the best results, take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and keep them in a warm, sheltered spot until they root. Many plants are grafted to keep the cultivar true, so buying a young tree is often the simplest option.

Characteristics

Type
Tree
Variegated
No
Family
Sapindaceae
Synonyms
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Placement

Aspect
East, South, West, North
Growing Condition
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Timing

Fruiting Months
September - November