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Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Laceleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Threadleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Acer palmatum var. dissectum Red Dragon

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon',Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Laceleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Threadleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon', Acer palmatum var. dissectum Red Dragon, Red Japanese maple, Red Acer

Noted for keeping its rich purple-red foliage color better than any other Laceleaf Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’ is a compact, slow-growing deciduous shrub with elegant dissected leaves reminiscent of a dragon’s claws. Emerging bright scarlet red in spring, the delicate foliage of ferny, lace-like leaves matures to dark burgundy in summer before finally changing to a spectacular crimson red in fall. Well-branched, this Japanese Maple features an upright-pendulous habit and forms an elegant cascading mound. It is perfect for small gardens or containers. ‘Red Dragon’ prefers full sun and tolerates frost but needs protection from cold winds and summer drought.

  • Grows up to 6-8 ft. tall and wide (180-240).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. A lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or Japanese gardens and containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
  • It may be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings.
  • Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Japanese Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi-Nagashi’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ (Sycamore Maple)
Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

Recommended Companion Plants

Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)
Myosotis sylvatica (Wood Forget-Me-Not)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Tulipa ‘Ballerina’ (Lily-Flowered Tulip)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Japanese Maple
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)
Not sure which Acer (Maple) to pick?
Compare Now

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