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Trees

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' (D)

Japanese maple 'Red Dragon'

Forms a compact, well-branched, cascading mound of deciduous foliage to about 2.5m in height, with dissected, deeply cut and sharply pointed, 7 lobed leaves, bright scarlet in spring, darkening to deep burgundy, a colour retained until autumn when the leaves change to flaming scarlet. Inconspicuous red-purple flowers in spring may be followed by winged, purple fruits

Synonyms
Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Pink Red
Summer Purple Red Purple
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus

Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems

Name status

Accepted

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated if soil is reliably moist. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. Suits container cultivation but attention to watering is needed in dry spells during the growing season. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. See Japanese maples cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1 from late autumn to midwinter only

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus

Get involved

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