How to Grow Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood'

Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

tree

Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood' is a deciduous ornamental tree prized for its deep red to burgundy foliage that intensifies in color throughout the growing season and into fall. It features delicate, deeply lobed palmate leaves and a graceful, upright spreading form that typically reaches 15-25 feet tall. This cultivar is one of the most popular and reliable red-leafed Japanese maples for landscape use.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 4-6 hours of indirect light. Full sun acceptable in cooler zones but may cause leaf scorch in hot climates; afternoon shade essential in zones 7-8

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during growing season. Reduce watering in fall and winter. Susceptible to drought stress; requires regular irrigation during dry periods

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Spacing: 120 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (ornamental tree; reaches mature size in 10-15 years)

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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; do not bury the root collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining, humus-rich loamy soil

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost to increase organic matter Perlite or sand for drainage in clay soils Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-8; best performance in zones 5-7

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year after planting

Young transplant with small leaves developing on thin branches. Tree appears delicate and minimal branching present

Water frequently and consistently. Provide partial shade and protection from wind. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch. Do not fertilize first year; allow tree to focus on root development

Early Growth

Years 2-3

Tree develops more branching structure and fuller canopy. Leaves maintain deep red color with subtle bronze-green tones on new growth

Continue consistent moisture. Light pruning only to remove crossing or damaged branches. Maintain mulch layer. Begin light feeding in second spring with balanced fertilizer

Development

Years 4-8

Upright spreading form becomes more apparent. Branching increases and tree develops characteristic graceful silhouette. Color deepens as tree matures

Prune selectively in late winter to maintain shape and remove weak growth. Continue mulching. Water during drought periods. Fertilize lightly in early spring

Maturity

Year 8 onward

Tree reaches 15-25 feet tall with full spreading canopy. Foliage displays deep burgundy-red color throughout season, intensifying in autumn with brilliant scarlet tones

Minimal pruning needed except to remove dead or diseased wood. Maintain consistent moisture, especially in heat. Watch for pest and disease issues. Fertilize sparingly

Dormancy

Late October through early April

Tree loses leaves in fall, displaying final brilliant red-burgundy coloration. Bare branches reveal attractive fine branching structure and graceful form

Do not prune during dormancy. Apply winter mulch in colder zones. No watering needed during winter in temperate climates unless drought conditions persist

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Ferns Azaleas Rhododendrons Coral Bells (Heuchera) Astilbe Bleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass Hakone Grass Liriope

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (allelopathic) Shallow-rooted competitors like willows Plants requiring full, intense sun only Aggressive spreading groundcovers

Common Pests

Hand-pick beetles in early morning, use Japanese beetle traps away from tree, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Benefactor wasps provide natural control
Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with strong water stream, use miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Severe infestations rare on Japanese Maple
Prune infested branches, apply horticultural oil in dormant season, monitor regularly. More common on stressed trees
Improve air circulation through selective pruning, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide in severe cases. Stress from drought increases susceptibility

Uses

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Ornamental Shade & Canopy Structure

Wildlife

Provides dappled shade for shade-loving plants and creates a focal point in landscape design. The graceful form and layered branching structure offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects [source]

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Landscape Design & Visual Interest

Household

'Bloodgood' is prized as a specimen tree, foundation planting, and accent piece in Asian-inspired gardens, shade gardens, and contemporary landscapes. Its year-round interest—from deep red foliage to elegant bare branches—makes it valuable in all seasons [source]

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Autumn Display & Garden Photography

Craft

The brilliant fall color transformation—from deep burgundy summer foliage to vivid scarlet—creates stunning visual displays and is popular for fall photography and seasonal garden tourism [source]

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Traditional Herbal Preparation

Medicinal

Japanese Maple leaves and bark have been used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental [source]

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Native Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Small flowers attract early-season pollinators and beneficial insects. Seeds (samaras) provide food for birds and wildlife in fall and winter [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not applicable. Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood' is an ornamental tree not grown for harvest. Enjoy foliage display from spring through fall, with peak color in autumn (typically mid-October to mid-November in northern regions)

Fun Facts

🌱 'Bloodgood' was introduced in 1927 and remains one of the most cold-hardy red Japanese Maple cultivars, making it more reliably hardy than many other red-leafed varieties
🌱 The deep red coloration is maintained throughout the growing season (not just in spring or fall), which is unusual and highly prized compared to varieties that fade to green by summer
🌱 Japanese Maples can live 100+ years in ideal conditions, making 'Bloodgood' a long-term landscape investment that becomes more impressive with age

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