Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are as low-maintenance as they are lovely. These stunning specimen plants are short in stature, with delicate branches and deep, vibrant foliage.
No matter what time of year, Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are a standout. Their leaves are purple in the spring, burgundy in the summer, and crimson in the fall. Winter even adds visual interest with silvery bark. Here’s what to know about Bloodgood Japanese maple trees.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple Trees at a Glance
- Year-round visual interest
- Compact size
- Low-maintenance
- Foliage color fades in full sun
- Can be pruned into bonsai trees
- Disease-resistant
Appearance
Bloodgood Japanese maple trees have vibrant foliage throughout most of the year. They grow in a rounded, upright shape, with thin branches sprouting from either a single trunk or multiple sub-trunks. The trees reach a maximum height of 15–25 feet tall, with a spread of 15–20 feet.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple Tree Specifications
|
Appearance |
Rounded, upright shape with one trunk or multiple. Leaves change color from purple to burgundy to crimson before dropping in winter to reveal silvery bark |
|
Height |
15–25 feet tall |
|
Hardiness Zones |
Zones 5–8 |
|
Type of tree |
Deciduous |
|
Sunlight requirements |
Partial shade to full sun |
|
Soil composition |
Highly adaptable but prefers well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow based on minimum winter temperatures. Bloodgood Japanese maple trees grow in Zones 5–8 across most of the country except for the extremely hot and cold regions.
Planting Bloodgood Japanese Maple Trees
Spring and fall are ideal times to plant Bloodgood Japanese maple trees. We recommend taking these steps:
- Choose a site that receives partial shade to full sun. Partial shade is preferable since it will result in richer foliage colors.
- Clear away any weeds, turfgrass, and debris.
- Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball and roughly the same depth. Your Bloodgood Japanese maple should be about 1 inch above the level of the surrounding soil.
- Gently tease the roots apart with your hand or a small spade, then place the root ball in the center of the hole.
- Backfill the hole, then water heavily.
- Finish by adding a 2–3 inch layer of natural mulch, like bark or wood chips, around the tree in a 3-foot radius. Be careful not to let the mulch touch the tree’s trunk.
Growing Conditions
Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are low-maintenance, adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, and able to grow in a range of light conditions.
- Sun and Shade: Bloodgood Japanese maple trees prefer to grow in partial shade, or about four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also grow in full sun, which is six hours or greater. However, shadier planting sites will lead to more robust and vivid foliage colors.
- Soil: Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are adaptable to a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, sand, and more. They thrive in well-draining, moist, and slightly acidic soil. Because they prefer moist soil, it’s recommended to add a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch over the soil once per summer for moisture retention.
- Watering: For the first few weeks after planting, you should water your Bloodgood Japanese maple tree every two to three days. After that, you can water just once a week or whenever the top 1–2 inches feel dry.
- Fertilizing: You can fertilize your Bloodgood Japanese maple tree in early spring before the new growth. Use a slow-release, well-balanced organic fertilizer with an NPK value of 10-10-10.
- Pruning: Bloodgood Japanese maple trees do not require regular pruning, but they do respond well to pruning if you decide to do so. If you see any dead, dying, or damaged branches, prune them in the winter when your tree is dormant.
FAQ About Bloodgood Japanese Maple Trees
How much sun do they need?
Bloodgood Japanese maple trees flourish in partial shade or about four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. Full sun leads to paler, less vibrant foliage hues.
How long do Bloodgood Japanese maple trees live?
Under ideal planting and growing conditions, Bloodgood Japanese maple trees can live more than 100 years.
Can you keep them small?
Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are naturally compact, and you can maintain this size or make them even smaller through pruning.
How tall do they get?
Bloodgood Japanese maple trees range from 15–25 feet tall.