Maintenance Landscaping Design

Red dragon japanese maple is a stunning small to medium sized deciduous tree that is perfect for adding interest and color to any landscape. Aptly named, this tree features intensely crimson red leaves that emerge in spring and persists through summer before turning a brilliant scarlet in fall. Growing anywhere from 6 to 12 feet tall, this tree is perfect for smaller yards or as an accent piece in a larger garden. Its showy foliage and compact size make it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts as well.

Also called

• Bloodgood Japanese Maple
  
• Coral Bark Japanese Maple
  
• Emperor I Japanese Maple
  
• Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
  
• Osakazuki Japanese Maple

Things to Know

• The red dragon japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon') is a stunning, small deciduous tree that is perfect for adding interest and color to any landscape.
  
• It is native to Japan and China and was introduced to North America in the early 1900s.
  
• The red dragon japanese maple has a weeping habit and produces beautiful, deeply lobed, crimson-red leaves that turn a stunning scarlet in the fall.
  
• It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil.
  
• It is relatively slow-growing, reaching a height of 15-20 feet and a spread of 10-15 feet over time.
  
• The red dragon japanese maple is relatively low-maintenance and is relatively disease and pest-resistant.
  
• It is an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree or in groupings.
  
• The red dragon japanese maple can be pruned to shape as needed.
  
• It is generally tolerant of urban pollution and salt spray.
  
• The red dragon japanese maple is hardy in USDA zones 5-

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

1. For red dragon japanese maple, first step is to find a sunny location.
   
2. Then, prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter.
   
3. Next, you need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s roots.
   
4. After that, you should place the tree in the hole and backfill it with soil.
   
5. Once the tree is planted, water it deeply.
   
6. In the next step, you need to mulch the tree with an organic material such as wood chips or leaves.
   
7. In order to keep the tree healthy, you need to fertilize it once a year.
   
8. Another important step is to prune the tree regularly.
   
9. Moreover, you should protect the tree from pests and diseases.
   
10. Finally, you need to harvesting the tree’s leaves and flowers.

Related plant:
Cotinus Royal Purple

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the tree grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but it is also tolerant of dry soils and compacted soils. It does not do well in soggy soils. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0). It is also salt tolerant.

Light condition

Like the other Japanese maples, the red dragon Japanese maple tree needs full sun to partial shade. It's a good idea to plant this tree in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The more sun this tree gets, the more vibrant its leaves will be.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions for the red dragon Japanese maple are quite specific. The tree should be grown in an area that has full sun in the morning but afternoon shade. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the tree will not do well.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% to 60%. The Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum') is a beautiful, deciduous plant that is perfect for adding a touch ofcolor to your garden. This plant is very sensitive to changes in humidity, so it is important to provide the ideal conditions for it to thrive. The ideal humidity level for this plant is between 40% and 60%. If the humidity level drops below this range, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity level rises above this range, the leaves will begin to drop off the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is important to the growth of the red dragon japanese maple. The roots are what help to anchor the tree in the soil and gather water and nutrients from the ground. The roots need to be strong and healthy in order to support the tree. The use of fertilizer will help to ensure that the roots are able to grow properly and support the tree.

Light requirement

Pruning a red dragon japanese maple is a simple process that can be done in early spring or late winter. You will want to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also thin out the canopy to allow more light to reach the inner branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for the red dragon japanese maple is done through grafting or seedlings. Grafting is done by taking a piece of the red dragon japanese maple and attaching it to the rootstock of another plant. The advantage of grafting is that it allows for a clone of the red dragon japanese maple to be produced. Seedlings are produced by planting the seeds of the red dragon japanese maple. The advantage of seedlings is that they are genetically diverse and will not be exact clones of the parent plant.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be medium. In terms of actual plant size, they can range anywhere from 6 to 12 inches a year. However, this number can be higher or lower depending on the environment in which they are growing.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, aphids, and leaf spot. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil sprays. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Leaf spot can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.

Growing Tips

• Remember to water your Japanese maple regularly, especially when the plant is young.
  
• Red dragon Japanese maples need full sun to partial shade.
  
• Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
  
• Fertilize your Japanese maple every spring with a tree and shrub fertilizer.
  
• Prune your Japanese maple as needed to maintain its shape.
  
• Protect young Japanese maples from strong winds and harsh winter weather.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest the leaves of your Japanese maple for use in salads or as a pretty garnish.
  
• Gather the seeds of your Japanese maple in autumn to plant next spring.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful foliage of your red dragon Japanese maple all season long!

Related Plants

• Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' - aconiteleaf japanese maple
  
• Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium' - vineleaf japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' - trompenburg japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum atropurpureum - purple japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum dissectum 'Dissectum' - dissected laceleaf japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum thunbergii - thunberg japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum thunbergii 'Red Pygmy' - red pygmy thunberg japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum thunbergii 'Trompenburg' - trompenburg thunberg japanese maple
  
• Acer palmatum var. at

Source:
Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum (Red Leaf Japanese Maple)
UNF - UNF Landscape - Acer palmatum - Japanese maple
Japanese Maple | Oklahoma State University