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Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

  • Vivid Purple Foliage Transforms to Flaming Apple-Red in Fall, Outperforming Other Laceleaf Maples
  • Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
  • Stunning Bright Scarlet Fall Foliage
  • Showy Red Blooms in Early Spring
$16783
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Out of stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 5 to 9. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

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Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
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Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
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Learn more about Plant Sentry™
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone 5a8b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 5-6 ft
Width 5-6 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Peaty
Growth Rate Moderate
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Red
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Maple
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
Species palmatum
Cultivar Red Dragon
Class Magnoliopsida, Sapindales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
M
Marc (United States)
Received in Virginia with care

I received a pair of these trees, both in great shape looking as if I just bought them from a local nursery, they were prepared that good. Both are beautiful specimens. Color good leaves in great shape. Thank you for packing them with, obviously, such care.

Coral Bark Japanese Maple ships as a bare-root or potted specimen that can look rough after a few days in a box, so it's great to hear both trees arrived looking nursery-fresh. They're going to put on a show for you in Virginia, especially in late fall and winter when that bark really comes into its own. Thanks for the kind words about our packing crew. They take real pride in getting trees to their destination in good shape.

D
Diana (United States)
Metamorphosa is so-so

I was very excited about this cult war when I ordered it. However, in spite of being in morning sun only, Metamorphosa has underperformed. It has lackluster growth and sickly yellow leaves that shed easily. I’m waiting to see if it improves, my expectation is that it won’t.

F
Francis (United States)
Poor Customer service

Poor Customer service. Nobody will answer the phone when you call. Slow response on your emails. I got a dead tree and purchase a warranty but after a month now no resolution or replacement.

R
Robert
Coral Bark Maple

I recieved the trees in a timely manner. They came and were not as red as pictured. However, dont lose hope. The trees were in great shape and packaged very well. I had purchased one for myself and one for a wedding venue landscape design i was doing. What a beautiful tree....After sun exposure and some time in the ground these trees are BRIGHT red as they should be especially this winter... WOW. I will continue to use nature hills for additional trees and shrubs. My Primrise Lilac I got here was also a great purchase with a very large and healthy plant from the start. Very pleased!!!

Dear Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Coral Bark Maple and Primrose Lilac! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback. It's fantastic to hear the trees arrived in great condition and that, once acclimated, the vibrant red coloration you expected took center stage—even through the winter months. It sounds like your landscaping at the wedding venue must be absolutely stunning with such a beautiful focal point!

We’re also delighted your Primrose Lilac has shown such healthy growth. Your success with multiple varieties speaks volumes, and we couldn’t be happier you chose Nature Hills to be part of your planting journey. If you ever need guidance on care or suggestions for future landscaping projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden thrive.

Thank you again for your trust and positive review. We look forward to growing alongside you!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

R
Robert
Coral Bark Maple

Trees came very well packaged and in great health. Their size was as advertised. I will definitely use Nature Hill's again!

Hello Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with your Coral Bark Maple purchase! We’re delighted to hear that the trees arrived healthy, well-packaged, and just as described. It’s wonderful customers like you that make our work so rewarding. Should you need any tips on planting or care as your maples settle in, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to provide guidance to help your new trees thrive.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

J
Jo
So Pleased and happy

Our tree just arrived and it is beautiful, healthy, and full of leaves. Taller than I expected. So pleased.

Hi Jo,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived healthy, full of leaves, and taller than you expected—what a lovely surprise! It sounds like it’s already making a beautiful addition to your space.

If you ever need tips on how to care for your tree to keep it thriving, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a variety of planting and care guides on our website as well, which might be helpful as you watch your new tree grow.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Stuart
Very nice!

I ordered a Coral Bark Japanese Maple. It took a couple weeks to ship but I got it today. The tree looks fantastic. That packaging was done so well I am still amazed they could ship a small tree like that and it got here perfectly. It rained all morning but I'll get it planted tomorrow. It's in great shape. I think it will do very well.

Hi Stuart,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your Coral Bark Japanese Maple arrived in fantastic condition and that you were impressed with the packaging—our team takes great care to ensure every plant arrives healthy and ready to thrive. It’s great that despite the rain, your new tree is shining and fit for planting tomorrow. To help your maple get off to the best start, you might want to check out our planting and care guide specifically tailored for Japanese maples on our website.

If you ever have any questions as your tree grows, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to assist. Wishing you many years of beauty from your new addition!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

S
Stuart
Very nice!

I ordered a Coral Bark Japanese Maple. It took a couple weeks to ship but I got it today. The tree looks fantastic. That packaging was done so well I am still amazed they could ship a small tree like that and it got here perfectly. It rained all morning but I'll get it planted tomorrow. It's in great shape. I think it will do very well.

Hi Stuart,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We’re thrilled to hear the tree arrived in perfect condition and that you were impressed by our packaging—it means a lot to hear that kind of thoughtful feedback. A little rain before planting can actually be great; it helps prepare the soil and get your tree off to a healthy start. When you do plant it, make sure to choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil, as Japanese Maples really thrive in those conditions. If you have any questions along the way or need tips on care and maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Coral bark Japanese Maple

Very pretty tree, I planted it on the day it arrived and it starting to leaf-out with new green and red leaves. Looking great already.It arrived well packaged and undamaged.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your new Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We're thrilled to hear it arrived in perfect condition and that it’s already showing such vibrant leaves so quickly. It sounds like you have a bright and beautiful addition to your garden taking root, and that makes us so happy.

If you ever want tips on caring for your maple throughout the seasons or best practices to keep those green and red hues shining, feel free to reach out. We’re here anytime you need advice or assistance with your planting journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

R
Robert
Coral bark Japanese Maple

Very pretty tree, I planted it on the day it arrived and it starting to leaf-out with new green and red leaves. Looking great already.It arrived well packaged and undamaged.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We're delighted to hear that it arrived safely, was well-packaged, and that you planted it right away. Watching those fresh green and red leaves emerge is truly one of the joys of gardening.

If you ever have any questions about caring for your maple—like optimal watering practices, fertilizing tips, or guidance on seasonal care—please don't hesitate to reach out. We also have helpful resources on our website that provide detailed information to help your tree thrive year-round.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does it need?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maple performs well in both full sun and shade conditions. This variety maintains its deep purplish-crimson color better than other laceleaf maples regardless of light exposure. For best results, provide morning sun with some afternoon protection in zones 5-9.

How quickly does it grow each year?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maple adds about one foot of growth per year once established. This hardy grower reaches its mature height in just 10 years across zones 5-9. For best results, plant in well-draining soil and shop at Nature Hills for quality specimens.

What USDA hardiness zones can Red Dragon Japanese Maple trees survive in?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. This makes it adaptable to both cold northern winters and hot southern summers. Check your specific zone before planting to ensure long-term success in your landscape.

How tall and wide will a Red Dragon Japanese Maple get when fully mature?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maple reaches 6-10 feet tall and wide at maturity, forming a cascading mound shape. This dwarf variety grows about one foot per year once established and reaches full size in roughly 10 years. Plan for adequate space since the weeping branches will spread as wide as the tree is tall.

What type of soil does a Red Dragon Japanese Maple need to thrive?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maple thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with consistent moisture. This hardy tree adapts to various soil types across zones 5-9 but performs best in organic-rich loam. Avoid waterlogged conditions and mulch around the base to retain moisture for optimal growth available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Red Dragon Japanese Maple?
  • Water newly planted Red Dragon Japanese Maples deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as it establishes its root system. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep - water when it feels dry at that depth.

Are Red Dragon Japanese Maple trees deer resistant?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maples are not considered deer resistant, as deer often browse on Japanese maple foliage and tender branches. While the lacy, dissected leaves may be less appealing than broader-leafed varieties, hungry deer will still feed on them. Protect young trees with fencing or deer repellent sprays during establishment.

What size container will my tree arrive in and when is the best time to ship?
  • Trees typically ship in 1-3 gallon containers depending on size selected. Spring and fall offer the best planting conditions for Japanese maples in zones 5-9, allowing roots to establish before temperature extremes. Order in early spring for optimal growing season establishment.

Does this tree require any special fertilizer or pruning care?
  • Red Dragon Japanese Maples need minimal special care once established in zones 5-9. Light spring fertilizing with balanced fertilizer supports their vigorous 1-foot annual growth. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain the natural cascading shape and remove any dead wood.
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