Species

Acer palmatumJapanese Maple

23 other cultivars

tree

Red-Leaf Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer palmatum is a deciduous woody species native to East Asia, characterized by its slow growth rate and layered, spreading branching structure. The species typically forms a low, rounded canopy of deeply lobed palmate leaves that transition through distinct seasonal color phases.

'Atropurpureum' is a classic cultivar distinguished by its deep red to purple spring foliage that holds its color before intensifying to brilliant scarlet in the fall. The five- to nine-lobed leaves may fade to a bronze-green or greenish-purple during hot summer conditions, especially when exposed to intense afternoon sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers striking deep red to purple foliage from spring through fall and an elegant, layered architectural form.

Functions well as a compact focal point for small urban gardens and courtyards due to its slow growth rate.

Provides structural cover and nesting sites for birds, though flowers offer minimal direct wildlife attraction.

SpeciesAcer palmatumJapanese Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

299"

Width

299"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with moist, organically rich, well-drained soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the ground.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly during mid-winter dormancy to prevent severe sap bleeding, and never cut back into old, leafless wood which lacks active latent buds for regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture throughout the summer to prevent leaf scorch.
Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cool.
Protect young spring foliage from late frosts using temporary covers.

Don't

Do not prune in spring or summer when heavy sap flow causes severe bleeding.
Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Do not cut back into old, bare wood as it rarely resprouts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeUnderstory plantingCourtyard gardensWoodland borders

Companion Plants

Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red-Leaf Japanese Maple questions

What zones can Red-Leaf Japanese Maple grow in?

Red-Leaf Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red-Leaf Japanese Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red-Leaf Japanese Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red-Leaf Japanese Maple bloom?

Red-Leaf Japanese Maple typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red-Leaf Japanese Maple need full sun?

Red-Leaf Japanese Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.