Red Dragon Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
72 inches
Width
108 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Cultivar
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' is a small, deciduous tree known for its stunning purple-red foliage that turns vibrant shades of crimson in the fall. This cultivar features deeply dissected lace-like leaves, providing a unique and striking appearance that contrasts against its graceful, weeping form.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sheltered spot with dappled sunlight for planting.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom and backfill gently around roots.
- Water thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct afternoon sun for vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune in late winter for shape and health
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don't prune during the growing season to prevent sap bleeding
- Refrain from placing in full sun which can scorch leaves
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Dragon Japanese Maple questions
What zones can Red Dragon Japanese Maple grow in?
Red Dragon Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Red Dragon Japanese Maple deer resistant?
Yes — Red Dragon Japanese Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Dragon Japanese Maple bloom?
Red Dragon Japanese Maple typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Dragon Japanese Maple need full sun?
Red Dragon Japanese Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Acer to compare
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Orangeola Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Shidare'
Coral Bark Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku'
Final Fire Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Final Fire'
Keep exploring
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Grow Red Dragon Japanese Maple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
