How to Grow Norway Maple 'Bloodgood'

Norway Maple 'Bloodgood'

Acer platanoides 'Bloodgood'

tree

A striking deciduous tree cultivar prized for its deep purple-red foliage that emerges burgundy in spring and maintains rich coloring throughout the growing season. This medium-sized maple reaches 40-50 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent shade and ornamental specimen tree. The vibrant fall color, combined with its compact form and disease resistance, makes it a popular choice for landscapes and urban settings.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best foliage color

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Water: Moderate watering; deep watering during establishment (first 2-3 years), especially during dry spells. Mature trees are drought-tolerant once established but prefer consistent moisture. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep rooting.

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Spacing: 480 inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the trunk collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, adaptable to various soil types

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost at planting Mulch layer (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate temperature Peat moss or aged organic matter for poor soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3b-7b; performs best in cooler climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

Growth Stages

Establishment (Years 1-3)

3 years

Young tree with purple-red foliage, developing branch structure and root system. Growth is moderate and focused on establishing a strong framework.

Water deeply and regularly. Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk. Stake if in windy locations.

Young Growth (Years 3-10)

7 years

Tree reaches 20-30 feet tall with increasingly dense branching. Foliage color deepens and becomes more consistent throughout the canopy.

Continue regular watering during dry periods. Begin light structural pruning in late winter to develop strong branch angles. Thin crowded branches to improve air circulation.

Maturation (Years 10-25)

15 years

Tree reaches full height of 40-50 feet with a dense, rounded crown. Purple-red foliage is most vibrant during this period. Spring flowers appear as small red clusters.

Water during extended dry periods. Prune only for shape maintenance and removal of dead/diseased wood. Monitor for pests and diseases. Remove lower branches if desired for clearance.

Prime Maturity (Years 25+)

20+ years

Fully developed ornamental specimen with full canopy, striking dark red foliage, and established landscape presence. Tree is at peak ornamental value.

Minimal pruning needed except for maintenance. Water during drought. Apply dormant season treatments if needed for disease/pest management. Remove dead branches promptly.

Fall Color (Autumn)

3-4 weeks

Foliage transforms from deep purple-red to brilliant scarlet and orange-red before dropping. This period lasts 3-4 weeks depending on weather.

No special care needed. Enjoy the display. Clean up fallen leaves for disease prevention, or mulch them into the soil for nutrient cycling.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Shade-tolerant hostas Astilbe Japanese ferns Coral bells (Heuchera) Shade-tolerant groundcovers like ajuga Hakone grass Hydrangeas Rhododendrons Azaleas

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees (juglans nigra) - produces allelopathic compounds Plants requiring consistent moisture in full sun - maple roots compete aggressively Salt-sensitive plants in areas with road salt exposure

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; neem oil
Dormant oil spray in early spring; horticultural oil; prune heavily infested branches
Spray with water to reduce populations; miticide if severe; ensure adequate moisture
Usually not damaging; remove fallen seeds to reduce populations; insecticidal soap if needed
No cure; plant resistant varieties; prune infected branches; improve tree vigor with watering

Uses

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Ornamental Shade Tree

Household

Norway Maple 'Bloodgood' serves as an excellent specimen tree for landscapes, parks, and urban streetscapes, providing deep shade and striking visual interest throughout the growing season. [source]

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Wildlife Support

Wildlife

The tree provides seeds (samaras) for birds and small mammals, and its canopy offers shelter and nesting habitat for numerous bird species. [source]

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Fall Foliage & Leaf Collection

Craft

The vibrant purple-red spring foliage and scarlet-orange fall colors make it ideal for pressed leaf collections and autumn arrangements. Pressed leaves are used in crafts and botanical art. [source]

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Maple Syrup Potential

Culinary

While not the ideal species for commercial syrup production (Sugar Maple is preferred), Norway Maple sap can be tapped and boiled down into syrup, though with slightly lower sugar content. [source]

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Traditional Uses

Medicinal

In traditional European herbalism, maple has been used to support various health goals, though modern evidence is limited. Primarily valued for its ornamental rather than medicinal properties. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for edibles. Enjoy foliage color from spring through fall. Collect seeds (samaras) in autumn if desired for propagation. Prune selectively in late winter for shape and health maintenance.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Bloodgood' cultivar was introduced to the United States from Europe in the early 20th century and remains one of the most popular red-leaved Norway Maple selections because its color remains dark throughout the season, unlike some other cultivars that fade to green.
🌱 Norway Maples are known for their aggressive root systems and dense canopy, which can inhibit the growth of understory plants and grass, making them challenging neighbors in some garden settings but excellent for creating deep shade.
🌱 The winged seeds (samaras) of Norway Maple, affectionately called 'helicopters' or 'whirlybirds' by children, spin as they fall from the tree and can travel considerable distances, which is why Norway Maple has become invasive in some natural areas of North America despite its ornamental value.

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