Unique Red and Orange Foliage
• Dramatic accent tree
• Varied red foliage: ruby, burgundy, fiery red
• Compact mounded shape with a moderate weeping tendency
• Sun-tolerant
• Drought-tolerant
• Great for containers
• Hardier than other Japanese Maple varieties
Vibrant, Showy Color All Season Long
Who doesn’t love vibrant, showy color all season long? The red Dragon Japanese maple tree offers show-stopping color and lush texture for a look that is both dramatic and refined. Early in the season, your Red Dragon Japanese Maple tree will burst on the scene with vibrant Ruby red foliage; as the season progresses, this stunning cultivar’s leaves mellow into a rich burgundy hue. As fall arrives, your Red Dragon Japanese Maple will liven up again as its muted burgundy leaves transform into a fiery red pop of color.
Beautiful Split-Leaves Add Texture and Interest
In addition to vibrant, showy color, your Red Dragon Japanese Maple boasts dense split-leaf foliage for added texture and interest in any garden. Whether you use your Red Dragon Japanese Maple as a focal point or a rich background for other cultivars, this versatile tree is sure to impress.
Full, Mounded Shape is Perfect For Filling-in Larger Spaces
A full, mounding shape makes the Red Dragon Japanese Maple the perfect option for filling in larger spaces. As the tree matures, minimal pruning will keep it from growing too tall so you can enjoy this shape with weeping branches. Visually dense, this tree makes gardening economical and enjoyable.
Drought- and Sun-Tolerant
Unlike other ornamental trees, Red Dragon Japanese Maple trees are easy to grow and maintain thanks in part to their tolerance of drought and full-sun exposure. As the climate becomes less and less predictable, this means your Red Dragon Japanese Maple tree will stand up to varied conditions throughout the year. Though if you live in a hotter climate, your tree will love some afternoon shade.
Great in Containers
Whether you live in an urban setting or prefer container gardening, Red Dragon Japanese Maple trees are the perfect option. They’re easy to grow, especially in containers. Find your favorite container option here so you can start planning a container garden of your own. Dreaming of adding fresh fruit trees to your container garden? Try our guava or mango trees out, as they are also easy to grow and thrive in containers.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Select an area with well-drained soil and the proper sunlight for your Red Dragon. If you live in a hotter climate, provide some shade for your tree and protection from the harsh afternoon sun. From there, dig the hole slightly larger than the root system of the plant – 2 to 3 times the width and just as deep as the root ball.
Then, place the tree, backfill the hole and tamp down the soil as you proceed to cut back on any air pockets from forming. Water the planting site and then mulch to preserve soil moisture.
2. Watering: Water weekly, or check the surrounding soil about 3 inches down. If the soil is dry here, water your tree. During the hot summer months, we recommend watering your Japanese Maple in the early morning or evening.
3. Fertilizing: Japanese Maples do not require large amounts of nutrients. But any recommended fertilization should use a balanced complete fertilizer for shrubs and trees. This should be applied once a year in early spring, and if possible, before the leaves appear.
4. Pruning: Your tree will need 2 to 3 years to become firmly established in your lawn or garden before you prune. After this period, you may begin to prune your tree if desired, although it’s not required.