Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Red Dragon' - Red Dragon Japanese Maple

Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a small deciduous tree with a rounded crown and lacy foliage. The leaves emerge in spring with a vibrant red color that deepens to a rich burgundy as they mature before turning shades of crimson or scarlet in fall. Grows best in rich, moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils.  Prefers full sun in cooler climates, but needs afternoon shade in southern areas.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Water regularly. Mulch in southern climates to keep roots cool.  Keep pruning to a minimum and prune in fall or winter. Potential issues include stem canker, leaf spots, fusarium, wilt, botrytis, anthracnose, and root rots.  Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, borers, root weevils, and mites. Chlorosis may occur in high pH soils

LANDSCAPE USES: Group Plantings or Specimen Tree, Borders, Woodland Gardens, and Foundational Plantings.

COMPANION PLANTS: Pieris, Astilbe, Japanese Forest Grass 

IMAGES: Photoset by Mark Bolin, (1) acer red dragon, (2) Acer palmatum var. d. 'Red Dragon'1, (3) Acer palmatum var. d. 'Red Dragon'6

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.