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Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon': Deep Purple-Red Weeping Laceleaf, Color Retention

Cutleaf Japanese Maple Red Dragon

Red Dragon foliage

Red Dragon form

Red Dragon bark

Overview

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon' (Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Red Dragon') is a modern weeping laceleaf cultivar prized for its deep purple-red foliage that retains its color exceptionally well through the summer heat, turning bright red in fall. Its strongly cascading habit creates a dramatic, sculptural mound. A top choice for color reliability in the Dissectum group.

Botanical Details

Family: Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus: Acer (AY-ser)
Species: Acer palmatum (pahl-MAY-tum)
Cultivar: 'Red Dragon'
Group: Dissectum
Synonym: Acer palmatum var. dissectum

Growing Requirements

USDA zones 5-8. Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil in partial shade. Water consistently. Stake to desired height. Best color with some morning sun.

Garden Uses

Superb as a focal point cascading over a wall, near a pond, or in a large container. Its reliable deep color makes it a favorite for designers.

Japanese Maples: Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Tamukeyama': Classic Weeping Purple-Red Laceleaf; Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Seiryu': The Upright Green Laceleaf Exception; Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Orangeola': Weeping Laceleaf with Unique Orange-Red Tones; Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Garnet': Vigorous Weeping Red Laceleaf with Great Color Retention; Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Waterfall': Cascading Green Laceleaf with Golden Fall Color; Cutleaf Japanese Maple (Dissectum Group): The Classic Green Weeping Laceleaf; Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Octopus': Dissectum with Long, Twisting Lobes; Japanese Maple 'Baldsmith': Threadleaf Elegance; Japanese Maple 'Ever Red': Reliable Red Weeper; Japanese Maple 'Filigree': Delicate Green Lace

Garden Articles

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen': Weeping Laceleaf Elegance in Deep Red

Washi no o Cutleaf Japanese Maple: A Threadleaf Cultivar

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Atropurpureum' (Dissectum Group)

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Viridis' (Green Laceleaf)

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Ao-shidare' (Green Weeping Laceleaf)

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Beni-shidare' (Red Weeping Laceleaf)

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Watnong' (Dissectum Group)

Plants

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Inaba Shidare': Cascading Red Laceleaf, Also Known as Red Select

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Red Filigree Lace': Ultra-Fine Red Dissectum, Also Red Lace

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Goshiki shidare': Five-Color Weeping Laceleaf

Japanese Maple 'Emerald Lace': Green Lace Waterfall

Dragon's Fire Cutleaf Japanese Maple: A Fiery Threadleaf Cultivar

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Green Mist' (Dissectum Group)

Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Green Hornet' (Dissectum Group)