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Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood': The Classic Deep Red Landscape Standard

Japanese Maple Bloodgood

Japanese Maple Bloodgood foliage

Japanese Maple Bloodgood form

Japanese Maple Bloodgood bark

Overview

Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood' (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood') is arguably the most famous and widely planted red-leaved Japanese maple. A staple in nurseries and landscapes for decades, this Sapindaceae family member holds its deep purple-red foliage color well through the summer heat, turning a brilliant crimson in fall. Its vigorous, upright growth habit and reliability make it the benchmark against which other red cultivars are measured.

Botanical Profile

Family: Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus: Acer (AY-ser)
Species: Acer palmatum (pahl-MAY-tum)
Cultivar: 'Bloodgood'

Cultivation Needs

Grow in USDA zones 5-8. Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates; full sun in cooler regions. Requires moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water consistently, especially during establishment. Mulch heavily. Prune only to remove dead wood or improve structure in winter.

Garden Applications

Excellent as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or as a focal point in an Asian-themed garden. Its bold color provides strong contrast against green foliage plants. Also used in bonsai.

Japanese Maples: Japanese Maple 'Shaina': Compact Red Dwarf for Small Spaces; Japanese Maple 'Fireglow': Intense Red Upright for Small Gardens; Japanese Maple 'Atropurpureum': The Classic Red-Leaf Seedling Type; Japanese Maple 'Katsura': Spring Orange Splendor with Green Summer Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Kiyohime': Dwarf Spreading Habit for Bonsai and Containers; Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki': Famous for the Most Intense Crimson Fall Color; Japanese Maple 'Kinran': Golden-Veined Reticulated Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Japanese Sunrise': Coral Bark with Yellow-Green Summer Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Moonfire': Reliable Red Upright with Bronze Summer Tones; Japanese Maple 'Fjellheim': Dwarf Compact from Norway

Garden Articles

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Japanese Maple 'Hogyoku': Precious Jewel with Green Leaves, Orange Fall

Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji': One Line of Characters with Green Foliage

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Japanese Maple 'Kinshi': Golden Thread with Fine Golden Variegation

Japanese Maple 'Fascination': Intriguing Variegation

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