Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Overview
Uses: Specimen, patio tree, Japanese gardens, understory planting, containers.
Benefits: Deep burgundy-purple foliage holds its rich color throughout the growing season, unlike many red-leafed maples that fade to green by midsummer. Brilliant crimson fall color and smooth gray bark with muscular multi-trunk structure provide year-round ornamental interest. Compact stature and non-invasive root system make it suitable for small gardens and planting near patios and walkways.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Tree
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — broad canopy with layered, horizontal branching.
Foliage Color: Burgundy, Purple, turning crimson in fall
Mature Height: 15–20 feet
Mature Width: 15–20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Summary
Bloodgood Japanese Maple is the benchmark red-leafed Japanese maple, prized for over fifty years for its ability to hold deep burgundy-purple foliage color from spring through late summer when many other red-leafed selections fade. The deeply lobed, palmate leaves emerge in spring with an intense purple-red tone that deepens as the season progresses, creating a striking focal point that commands attention in any setting.
In fall, the foliage transitions to brilliant crimson, providing a final burst of color before leaf drop reveals the tree’s elegant winter silhouette. The smooth gray bark and muscular, multi-stemmed trunk structure create year-round architectural interest that makes Bloodgood one of the most versatile specimen trees for residential landscapes.
At maturity, Bloodgood reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and wide with a rounded, spreading canopy and graceful horizontal branching. The root system is non-competitive, allowing other plants to grow comfortably beneath and around it. One of the hardiest Japanese maple cultivars, Bloodgood performs reliably in zone 5 gardens when sited with adequate protection from harsh winter winds.
Care
Bloodgood Japanese Maple Care
Plant Bloodgood in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade for the best foliage color and minimal leaf scorch. In northern zones (5–6), it tolerates full sun well. In warmer areas, some afternoon protection prevents the edges of leaves from browning during summer heat. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay, which increases the risk of verticillium wilt.
Water regularly and deeply during the first two to three growing seasons to establish a healthy root system. Once established, maintain consistent moisture — Japanese maples are sensitive to prolonged drought, especially in hot, dry conditions. A 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. Fertilize lightly in spring with a slow release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Prune during the dormant season (late fall to winter) when the tree is fully leafed out or after leaf drop. Remove dead, crossing, or rubbing branches and selectively thin interior growth to improve air circulation and showcase the branching structure. Avoid heavy pruning, which can damage the tree’s natural form.
Size
What Size is the Bloodgood Japanese Maple for Sale Online?
Our Bloodgood Japanese Maple ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Bloodgood Japanese Maple Grow?
Bloodgood Japanese Maple reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide at maturity, developing a rounded, spreading canopy with graceful horizontal branching. Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding roughly 1 to 2 feet per year.
Additional Information
What makes Bloodgood different from other red Japanese maples?
Bloodgood is prized for its exceptional color retention. While many red-leafed Japanese maple cultivars fade to greenish-red by midsummer, Bloodgood maintains deep burgundy-purple tones throughout the season, especially in full sun. It is also one of the hardiest red-leafed selections, performing reliably into zone 5.
Can Bloodgood Japanese Maple be grown in containers?
Yes. Bloodgood is an excellent container tree, especially when young. Use a large, well-drained container with quality potting mix and water consistently, as container-grown trees dry out faster than those in the ground. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones. Browse our Trees collection for more specimen options.
Is Bloodgood Japanese Maple deer resistant?
Bloodgood is generally considered deer resistant, though hungry deer may occasionally browse young growth. The deeply pigmented foliage and smooth bark are not preferred browse. For gardens with heavy deer pressure, consider pairing with plants from our deer-resistant plants collection.
Does Bloodgood need special winter protection?
In zones 5 and 6, choose a location sheltered from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts, which can damage emerging foliage. A layer of mulch over the root zone insulates against temperature extremes. Avoid planting in exposed, windswept sites in colder zones.
