County Gardeners Extension Express

Bloodgood Japanese Maple

The Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, is a short tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae). It is native to southeast Korea and central and south Japan where it grows as an understory tree and noted for having many aesthetically pleasing forms. Weeping as well as upright varieties exist, and the species is well noted for its beautiful deep red and orange summer color that deepens into the fall. Acer is Latin for sharp and palmatum means shaped like a hand, referring to the leaves.

Although there are many aesthetically pleasing Japanese maple varieties, the Bloodgood Japanese maple, Acer palmatum “Bloodgood” is one of the hardiest varie-ties. It is a large deciduous shrub or small tree. It gets its name from Bloodgood Nurse-ry on Long Island, New York where it was initially sold prior to World War II. It 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 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 mini-mum nutrients.

The Bloodgood can tolerate direct sun in northern areas. In southern areas, it prefers partial shade to avoid leaf sun scorch during the hot dry summers, which has been noted on many varieties planted in full sun here on the Coast. 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 sea-sonal 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.

Download PDF to view entire newsletter