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, burgandy in the summer, and crimson in the fall. Winter even adds visual interest with silvery bark.
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.
Specifications
| Appearance | Rounded, upright shape with one trunk or multiple. Leaves change color from purple to burgundy to crimson before dropping in winter. 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 extreme hot and cold regions.
Planting
The ideal times to plant Bloodgood Japanese maple trees are in spring and fall. We recommend taking these steps:
- Choose a plantain 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 one 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 three-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—clay, loam, sand, and more. They thrive in soil that is well-draining, moist, and slightly acidic. Because Bloodgood Japanese maple trees 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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