Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

The Bloodgood Japanese Maple is a large deciduous shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family. It is native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan where it grows as an understory tree. It was initially sold prior to World War II by the Bloodgood Nursery on Long Island, New York. The genus name, Acer, is Latin for sharp and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the leaves.

The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide and has a slow to moderate growth rate. The shape is round, broad, and upright with dense spreading branches. It prefers well-drained acidic, organic soils with good air circulation. You can plant higher or in a raised bed in heavy clay soil for better drainage. It is easy to plant from nursery containers and requires minimum nutrients. The Bloodgood Japanese Maple can tolerate direct sun in northern areas. In southern areas, it prefers partial shade to avoid leaf sun scorch during the hot dry summers. It does leaf out early and may be damaged by spring frosts. You can prune in February when it is dormant to alter the shape if desired. Propagation is done through grafting and stem cutting.

This is a popular Japanese Maple because the leaves are red throughout the summer except in hot dry areas where they may be greenish red.  In addition to the seasonal leaf colors, it provides winter interest with its muscular-looking multi-trunks and layered branching structure.

The Bloodgood can be grown in a container or as a specimen in the ground. Due to its small size, you can plant it along walkways and patios. It can also be used as an understory tree. The roots are noncompetitive, and you can place other plants around it. 

It has received the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, horse chestnut scale, and borers can attack the plant but rarely result in long-term health problems. Deer can damage the plant. The leaves can be scorched by hot dry summers. If it is planted without good drainage, it is prone to verticillium wilt.

More information on Acer palmatum.