Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree - Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon')

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a stunning ornamental tree prized for its rich, evolving foliage that shifts through vibrant shades of crimson, burgundy, and flame throughout the growing seasons. This relatively compact tree delivers year-round visual interest and works beautifully as a focal point in any landscape. Buy Red Dragon Japanese Maple online to add dramatic color and elegance to your garden or patio.

Landscaping Uses

With its modest, refined proportions, this tree thrives as a standalone specimen in smaller yards, container gardens, and decorative planters on patios or decks. Plant it near a seating area where you can enjoy its striking appearance, alongside water features for a serene garden display, or group multiple trees together for enhanced visual impact. The Red Dragon adapts well to mixed borders and works particularly well in Japanese-inspired landscapes and contemporary garden designs.

Specifications

Height: 8–12 feet
Width: 8–12 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (more sun-tolerant than typical Japanese Maples)
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained
USDA Zones: 5–8

Why Homeowners Love It

• Displays brilliant red foliage in spring that deepens to rich burgundy in summer and glows fiery red in fall
• Stays compact and manageable, fitting perfectly into small spaces and container gardens
• More sun-tolerant and drought-resistant than standard Japanese Maple varieties
• Arrives established with healthy roots and a head start for immediate impact

Planting & Care

Select a location with well-draining soil and appropriate sunlight; in hotter climates, provide afternoon shade protection. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and equally deep, then plant and backfill while removing air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to retain soil moisture. During hot summers, water in early morning or evening hours. Allow two to three years for the tree to establish before pruning, then maintain only as desired with balanced fertilizer applied once yearly in early spring.