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Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
Red Dragon Japanese Maple
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Overview
Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' is a deciduous shrub with a weeping, cascading habit, reaching 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) tall with a spread of 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) at maturity. It belongs to the dissectum group of A. palmatum, with deeply dissected seven-lobed leaves, sinuses cut nearly to the leaf center, and lobes further incised to produce a lacy texture. Leaves are 2–3.5 inches (5–9 cm) wide, deep purple-red to maroon through spring and summer, retaining color in full sun in climates with summer temperatures below 85°F (29°C); color shifts to bronze-green in hotter conditions. Fall color is scarlet to crimson and lasts 2–3 weeks. Branches cascade downward from a grafted crown, forming a broad mound wider than tall at maturity. Growth rate is slow, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) per year. The finely dissected foliage is more prone to wind desiccation and summer scorch than broader-lobed cultivars, and the graft union produces rootstock suckers that will overtop the scion if not removed at their point of origin.
Native Range
Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea, and China, occurring in mixed broadleaf forests at low to middle elevations. The 'Red Dragon' cultivar was selected in New Zealand from seedling stock and does not occur in wild populations.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in Japanese-style gardens, rock gardens, and mixed shrub borders at 8–10 foot (2.4–3 m) spacing. Grows in containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L) in sheltered positions; smaller containers shorten lifespan. Not suited to exposed sites with strong winds, hot-summer climates without afternoon shade, alkaline soils, or sites with restricted moisture.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread8' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Small dark red to purple flowers appear in pendant clusters in April–May as new leaves emerge. Individual flowers are 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) across. Paired samaras, 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long, ripen in September–October.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
dark red to purpleFoliage Description
deep purple-red to maroon in spring and summer; scarlet to crimson in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 in partial shade to full sun. Full sun intensifies purple-red foliage color but increases scorch risk in climates with summer temperatures sustained above 85°F (29°C). Water weekly during the first two growing seasons and during summer dry spells of more than 7 days. Rootstock suckers from below the graft union grow vigorously and will overtop the scion within 1–2 seasons if left in place. Wind desiccates the finely dissected foliage in exposed sites. No routine fertilization is required in humus-rich soils.Pruning
No routine pruning is required. The cascading weeping habit is self-forming. Dead or crossing branches are removed in late spring to early summer (May–June) after leaf-out, when sap bleeding is minimal. Rootstock suckers below the graft union are cut at their point of origin as they appear. Late summer and fall pruning causes sap bleeding and delayed wound closure.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons