Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
This popular cultivar of the Japanese maple is a magnificent, sturdy tree known for holding its intense deep red-purple foliage color well throughout the hot St. Louis summer months. Unlike some red cultivars that fade to green in intense heat, ‘Bloodgood’ maintains a vibrant, rich hue from the moment the leaves unfurl in spring until they transition to brilliant scarlet-red in autumn. It grows with an upright, rounded habit, developing into a handsome small tree suitable as a dramatic specimen in the garden or a graceful addition to a mixed border. Inconspicuous reddish flowers precede small red fruits (samaras), providing subtle points of interest in mid-spring and early summer.
Type
Specimen
Height
15
-20
ft
Width
12
-15
ft
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water Requirements
Average; best in well-drained, moist, organically rich, slightly acidic soil, tolerates some drought once established
Foliage Color
Deep red-purple year-round; scarlet-red in fall
Flower Color
Reddish-purple (insignificant)
Resists
Attracts
Design Use
Special Traits
Hardiness Zones
5–8
Notes
Care: Prune in summer after leaves have fully developed to prevent excessive sap bleeding. Focus on structural training in the young tree to establish a strong central leader and remove crossing branches.
Soil & Establishment: This cultivar must have excellent drainage to avoid fatal root rot in heavy clay soils. Amend the planting area thoroughly with organic matter. Provide consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons, especially during dry periods.
Winter Maintenance: Young leaves can be damaged by late spring frosts common in the St. Louis region; consider covering young trees if a hard frost is predicted after bud break.
Fertilizing: A light application of a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer in early spring is sufficient; avoid over-fertilizing.
Pests & Diseases: Watch for potential issues like stem canker, leaf spots, and the serious fungal disease verticillium wilt. Pests include aphids, scale, and borers.
Wildlife: The small flowers in spring provide an early season nectar source for emerging bees and pollinators.
Plant Uses: Specimen tree, accent plant, patio tree, container gardening, modern garden design.
Other: This is a male clone, meaning it produces very little to no viable fruit (samaras), which can be a cleaner option for some gardeners.
Soil & Establishment: This cultivar must have excellent drainage to avoid fatal root rot in heavy clay soils. Amend the planting area thoroughly with organic matter. Provide consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons, especially during dry periods.
Winter Maintenance: Young leaves can be damaged by late spring frosts common in the St. Louis region; consider covering young trees if a hard frost is predicted after bud break.
Fertilizing: A light application of a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer in early spring is sufficient; avoid over-fertilizing.
Pests & Diseases: Watch for potential issues like stem canker, leaf spots, and the serious fungal disease verticillium wilt. Pests include aphids, scale, and borers.
Wildlife: The small flowers in spring provide an early season nectar source for emerging bees and pollinators.
Plant Uses: Specimen tree, accent plant, patio tree, container gardening, modern garden design.
Other: This is a male clone, meaning it produces very little to no viable fruit (samaras), which can be a cleaner option for some gardeners.
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