Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood’)

TreesOrnamental TreesJapanese Garden PlantsFall Color PlantsFull sun- Part shadeWater-mediumSoil-Slightly acidic, organicallyZone-5Zone-6Zone-7Zone-8
Written By Aric Odone

Classic Red Japanese Maple with Brilliant Fall Color & Four-Season Beauty

🌿 Plant Overview

Common Name: Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Botanical Name: Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood’
Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Family: Sapindaceae
Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Native Range: Japan (species origin)

📊 Key Characteristics

  • Height: 15–20 feet

  • Spread: 15–20 feet

  • Bloom Time: Inconspicuous (grown primarily for foliage)

  • Flower Color: Insignificant

  • Foliage: Burgundy-red turning brilliant scarlet in fall

  • Growth Habit: Upright, rounded canopy

☀️ Growing Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

  • Water Needs: Medium (consistent moisture preferred during establishment)

  • Soil: Slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained

  • Maintenance Level: Low

Bloodgood Japanese Maple performs best in cool, protected settings with good drainage and shelter from harsh drying winds.

🌸 Garden Features

✔️ Deep burgundy foliage throughout the growing season
✔️ Brilliant scarlet-red fall color
✔️ Attractive red-black winter bark
✔️ One of the most sun-tolerant Japanese maples
✔️ Deer and rabbit resistant
✔️ Elegant four-season structure

✂️ Care & Maintenance

Mulch around the base to retain moisture and cool roots. Water deeply during establishment. Protect younger trees from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates. Minimal pruning is required—remove dead or crossing branches as needed.

🌼 Landscape Uses

Specimen tree, patio tree, Japanese gardens, woodland gardens, entryway focal point, pondside plantings

🌿 19 Birch Lane Insight

Bloodgood Japanese Maple brings timeless elegance to the landscape—its rich burgundy foliage and graceful form creating a refined focal point in every season.

🌱 Noteworthy Characteristics

One of the most popular and dependable Japanese maples, ‘Bloodgood’ is admired for its deep red foliage that holds color well through summer before transitioning into vivid scarlet tones in autumn. Its delicate branching structure and dark bark provide winter interest long after the leaves have fallen.

⚠️ Problems

Leaf scorch may occur in excessively hot or windy conditions. Avoid poorly drained soils and protect from harsh winter winds.

Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum ‘Bloodgood’)

Classic Red Japanese Maple with Brilliant Fall Color & Four-Season Beauty

Aric Odone
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