Japanese maple varieties offer a stunning array of foliage options, with a wide range of sizes, colors, and leaf types. From the popular Bloodgood and Crimson Queen to the unique Red Dragon and Full Moon, these varieties showcase vibrant reds, purples, and yellows, along with weeping or upright growth habits and distinctive leaf shapes.
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, these trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and can be used as specimen trees or in containers. With their captivating colors and foliage, Japanese maples are sure to add beauty and visual interest to any landscape.
Bloodgood (Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood
Bloodgood (Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood’) is a stunning Japanese maple variety. It is known for its maximum size of 20 feet high and similar spread. The tree has reddish-purple leaves in summer that turn greener in full sun, and its crimson red fall foliage.
This particular cultivar offers several benefits when planted in different climates. In cooler climates, the Bloodgood Japanese maple thrives and displays its vibrant colors throughout the year. In warmer climates, it can tolerate higher temperatures and still maintain its beauty.
Maintenance tips for Bloodgood Japanese maple trees include regular pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is important to water the tree deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Additionally, applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Overall, the Bloodgood Japanese maple is a versatile and visually striking addition to any landscape.
Coonara Pygmy (Acer Palmatum ‘Coonara Pygmy
Coonara Pygmy, a dwarf cultivar, grows to a height of about six feet and displays bright-green spring leaves with a yellowish cast in summer.
This variety of Japanese maple is a great choice for small gardens due to its compact size. The Coonara Pygmy’s small stature allows it to fit well in limited spaces, such as patios or urban gardens.
Its vibrant foliage adds a pop of color to any landscape, and its deep pink-red fall foliage provides a stunning display as the seasons change.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, the Coonara Pygmy is also low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners. Its small size and easy care make it a versatile and beautiful addition to any small garden.
Crimson Queen (Acer Palmatum Dissectum ‘Crimson Queen
The Crimson Queen is a small specimen with a pleasing weeping habit and dissected leaf type. This Japanese maple variety, scientifically known as Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’, is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It reaches a height of 8-10 feet and has dark-red leaves in the summer that mature to a beautiful crimson hue. In the fall, its foliage displays a combination of yellow, red, purple, and bronze colors.
For the best planting locations, the Crimson Queen thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it prefers afternoon shade in hotter climates. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultural care tips include regular watering, especially during dry periods, and mulching to retain soil moisture. Pruning is recommended during the dormant season to maintain its desired shape. The Crimson Queen is a stunning addition to any garden or landscape, providing a dramatic display of color and texture.
Red Dragon (Acer Palmatum Dissectum ‘Red Dragon
Red Dragon is a small cultivar with striking reddish-purple foliage that has a bright crimson fall foliage. It has an upright, pendulous growth habit and is native to Japan, Korea, and China. Red Dragon is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-8.
To ensure the best growing conditions for Red Dragon, it is important to plant it in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
When it comes to pruning and maintenance, Red Dragon requires minimal pruning. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy and well-shaped tree. Regular mulching and fertilizing can also promote the overall health and vigor of Red Dragon.
Overall, Red Dragon is a beautiful and low-maintenance Japanese maple variety that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.
| Best Growing Conditions | Pruning and Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|
| Well-drained soil | Prune in late winter or early spring |
| Partial shade to full sun | Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches |
| Regular watering | Regular mulching and fertilizing |
Garnet (Acer Palmatum Dissectum ‘Garnet
Garnet is a lace-leaf cultivar of Acer palmatum dissectum with a mature spread of about 9-12 feet. This variety of Japanese maple is known for its striking red foliage throughout the growing season. The leaves start off as a reddish-orange color and fade to purplish-green in late summer, before turning a vibrant bright red in the fall. Garnet is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-8.
When planting and caring for Garnet Japanese Maple, it is important to choose a location that provides partial shade, as full sun can scorch the delicate leaves. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
The versatility of Garnet Japanese Maple makes it a popular choice in landscape design. Its elegant lace-leaf foliage adds texture and visual interest to gardens, and its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. It can be used as a focal point in a garden bed or as a stunning addition to a mixed border.
The vibrant red fall color of Garnet can create a striking contrast against greenery or other plants with different foliage colors. Additionally, it can be grown in containers or used as a bonsai specimen, adding a touch of elegance to patios or balconies.
Overall, Garnet Japanese Maple is a beautiful and versatile plant that can enhance any landscape design.
Full Moon (Acer Shirasawanum ‘Aureum’)
Full Moon is a showy cultivar of Acer shirasawanum with bright-yellow foliage that deepens to yellow-green in summer and turns orange-red in the fall. This Japanese maple can grow as a multistemmed shrub or small tree and is native to Japan. Full Moon is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-7.
To ensure the healthy growth of Full Moon, it is important to provide it with the right growing requirements. This includes planting it in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it is important to protect it from strong winds. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods.
Care and maintenance for Full Moon involve pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also important to fertilize it annually in the spring to promote healthy growth. With proper care, Full Moon can be a stunning addition to any garden or landscape.
| Growing Requirements | Care and Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Well-drained soil | Regular pruning |
| Partial shade to full sun | Fertilizing in spring |
| Protection from strong winds | Remove dead or damaged branches |
| Regular watering |
