Bloodgood Japanese Maple is a very popular cultivar of the upright, Japanese red maples. Bloodgood is a compact understory tree popular for its attractive foliage and shape. Grows 15 to 20' tall and about the same in width. Palmate leaves are deep-reddish purple and hold their color well through Summer, then turning to crimson-red in Fall. An excellent specimen or accent tree around the home or in landscape islands. Well-drained soil is a must. Grows in sun or partial shade.

Height: 15' to 20' Landscape Usages: Landscape Beds, Garden Pond, Focal Point Specimen, Frame Structure, Woodland Border, Outdoor Living Areas, Property Value, Small Groups, Background, Containers / Planters, Foundation, Entryway Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Mostly Sun, Morning Sun, Afternoon Sun, Partial Shade Resistant To: Drought, Heat, Deer Resistant, Disease, Insect Type: Tree, Deciduous Theme Gardens: Japanese, Rock, Woodland/Shade USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8

Spread: 15' to 20' Attracts: Visual Attention Characteristics: Foliage, Growth Habit / Form, Trunks/Branches/Stems Fragrances: None Growth Rate: Moderate Foliage Color: Purple Seasons of Bloom: Spring Foliage, Summer Foliage, Fall Foliage Soil Needs: Ammended Clay, Average, Well-Drained Water Needs: Low

Japanese Red Maple 'Bloodgood' (Hybrid) Feeding Instructions

Japanese maples do not require much fertilizer. Fertilize Japanese maples lightly with a slow-release, preferably mild, organic fertilize after new growth has emerged in Spring. An application of bone meal in Fall is beneficial.

Japanese Red Maple 'Bloodgood' (Hybrid) Pruning Instructions

There are various methods for pruning Japanese maples, however, when properly located in the garden they don't usually require anything more than a light, corrective pruning of a stray branch here or there. Light pruning can be be performed at any time of year other than during Spring when the sap is rising. If your Japanese maple has grown beyond the boundaries of the area it was intended to fill, major pruning may be necessary. Major pruning should only be performed during the dormant season (Winter), after the leaves have fallen and prior to leaf production in the Spring.

For detailed and illustrated pruning instruction for a Japanese Maple SEE: Pruning a Japanese Maple

Japanese Red Maple 'Bloodgood' (Hybrid) Pest Instructions

Japanese maples have no serious pest or disease problems. The Japanese beetle may visit to nibble a little during early Summer, but will do little if any noticeable damage to foliage. Foliage can be scorched by the Summer afternoon sun, particularly when water has been splashed on leaves by way of irrigation. Good drainagie is essential. If your young Japanese maple leaves begin to die back on the tips there is a good possibility that the tree was planted too deep and the feeder roots are beginning to rot. To remedy this problem, replant tree with the top of the root ball several inches above ground level and taper soil mixture from top edge of the root ball gradually to ground level. Essentially, you will be planting the tree in a "raised bed" where the feeder roots will sit above the water table.