Japanese Maple Bloodgood

This Japanese maple has deeply cut lobed, dark red-purple leaves, turning bright red in autumn. Pendant clusters of tiny purple-red flowers are followed by red-winged seeds in late Summer. Acer palmatum Bloodgood is a reliable and popular variety. Requires a sheltered site.

Growing notes:
Acer palmatum and its cultivars are slow growing and do not really require pruning, but will tolerate it if necessary – remove damaged, diseased or crossing branches and lower branches can be taken off to shape the canopy over time. Pruning is best done during the dormant months.

Japanese Maples all require shelter from wind to avoid wind scorch. The very fine-leaved cultivars need extra protection from wind and the sun. Despite being hardy, the fresh growth can be vulnerable to frost in the Spring. They all tolerate growing in a large container, some for a very long time.

• Cultivars with green or yellow foliage are best grown in dappled shade as full sun can scorch the leaves.
• Cultivars with purple or red foliage require some sun to fully develop their dark colour.
• Cultivars with variegated foliage require shade from the afternoon sun to prevent scorching.

Site: Requires shelter
Soil: Prefers well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
Position: Full sun, partial shade
Season of Interest: Attractive shape, red foliage in Summer, good Autumn colour
Hardiness: Fully hardy – fresh spring growth on young plants can suffer from frost damage
Height: 15 ft (5m)  Spread: 15 ft (5m)