Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)

The ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple is an ideal deciduous tree for smaller yards. Most people use them as specimen trees, although they are also used in bonsai. They bloom in spring, and this is when the red in their foliage is often at its brightest. This common tree may reach a height of 20 feet (with a similar spread) at maturity but is a slow grower. It requires dappled shade and well-draining soil. Read on for our care guide.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Regarded as one of the best purple-leaved Japanese Maples, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a large deciduous shrub or small rounded tree of great beauty in all seasons. In spring, it produces small purple flowers, which give way to red fruits. While attractive close up, the flowers are not particularly showy from a distance. The delicate spring foliage of five or seven pointed, lobed, wine-red to burgundy leaves holds its color in summer and turns vibrant crimson-red in fall before shedding to the ground.

As the leaves fall, they expose the blackish-red bark, adding interest to the winter landscape. Vigorous, this upright maple tree stands out in the landscape and is suitable as a focal point or as the perfect foil for a mass of green in the landscape.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Dappled shade is considered the ideal exposure in most regions for this tree, but a bit more shade won’t harm it. In fact, in hot climates, a somewhat shady location can help prevent leaf scorch. The leaves tend to develop some green in them in summer if exposed to full sun.

Temperature and Humidity

Plant your Japanese maple where it will be protected from strong winds (which can dry out the soil quickly), and avoid hot and arid sites. Extreme heat can lead to distress; keep the soil around the tree mulched and adequately watered during hot weather to minimize damage.

Watering

Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ is a plant that thrives in moderately moist conditions, reflecting its native habitat’s moderate rainfall. It has a balanced water habit, neither favoring drought nor excessive humidity. Watering should occur once every 1-2 weeks to maintain optimal health. As an outdoor deciduous plant, japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ undergoes seasonal changes, shedding leaves in autumn and requiring less water during this period.

Soil

The soil should drain well and not be too clayey; a neutral to slightly acidic soil is preferred (pH 5.0 to 7.0). Apply a loose mulch, such as wood chips or pine needles, over the soil at the beginning of the summer to help retain moisture. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk of the tree. Re-mulch every year at around the same time.

Fertilizing

For japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’, use balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring for healthy growth, shifting to high-nitrogen options to encourage vivid foliage. Fertilize early spring, mid-summer, and late summer, measuring according to product instructions. Reduce quantity if growth is sufficient; cease in fall to prepare for dormancy. Over-fertilization risks damage, so follow guidelines carefully. Novices and experts alike should ensure even distribution to avoid root burn. Adapt frequency and amount for young trees or differing seasonal needs.

Planting Instructions

The best time for planting or transplanting a japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ is following defoliation in the fall. At this time, the leaves will have fallen off so there is little transpiration and water loss can be avoided. In addition, the root system will still be growing at this time, preparing for regrowth the following spring. Transplanting should be avoided on the coldest days because cold wind can kill some of the shoots and branches. During the winter, in areas that cannot be sheltered from the wind, it is recommended to cover the branches.

Pruning

You can prune young plants to encourage a particular branching pattern. As the tree matures, pruning can be limited to standard maintenance tasks, such as removing dead branches, suckers, or branches.

Propagation

Nurseries propagate most Japanese maples by grafting, which takes elaborate skills and practice. Because ‘Bloodgood’ is a cultivar, growing it from seed won’t produce a tree that is true to type. It is, therefore, recommended to purchase a young tree instead of attempting to propagate it yourself.

Overwintering

Roots of maples continue to grow throughout the fall and early winter months if temperatures are not below freezing. Adding a layer of mulch shields the roots from the winter cold and ensures that the roots retain moisture. If growing a small, bonsai form of the tree, move it indoors during the cooler months.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

These trees are relatively immune to diseases and pests. However, insects such as aphids, scale, borers, and root weevils can be a problem, as can mites. Root rot and Verticillium wilt can strike if the tree is grown in wet, cold soil. Allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions is a good way to prevent these diseases.

Common Growing Problems

• Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency in your ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple. This could be iron, potassium, nitrogen, or sulfur. Consider when you last fertilized—while you don’t want to overfertilize, ensure you are doing so at least once a year.

• Curling Leaves

If you notice your tree’s leaves starting to curl, check the soil. If it’s overly wet, you may be waterlogging your plant, which can drown roots and cause leaves to curl. Conversely, if the soil feels too dry, you may be underwatering. Both can cause leaf curl. Restore the right balance of water to remedy.

III. Types of Japanese Maples

Red is the most common color for Japanese maples, although there are also various choices in other colors.

• Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Full Moon): Produces lime-to-chartreuse-tinged golden leaves; in fall, leaves turn orange and red.
• Acer palmatum ‘Beni-kawa’: Leaves emerge in spring as rich green with slight red edges, then turn deeper green in summer before turning yellow and shedding in fall.
• Acer palmatum ‘Harriet Waldman’: Grows to 15 feet tall (same growing conditions as for Bloodgood); new leaves start out pink but eventually turn three colors: pink, white, and green (pink and white fade as the tree ages, leaving green leaves).

IV. Uses and Benefits

Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ is a decorative, ornamental tree prized for its deep red-purple foliage and attractive form.