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Bloodgood Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Nature Hills Nursery
$15661
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This maple thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light to maintain its signature deep burgundy color. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch, though too much shade can cause the foliage to fade toward a muddy green.
  • Soil: Aim for well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant the root ball slightly above the soil line in a mound to prevent "wet feet," or incorporate leaf mold to improve drainage in sandy spots.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root system establishes itself below the surface. Once mature, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during heat waves can lead to crispy leaf margins and reduced vigor. Think of the soil like a wrung-out sponge; it should stay consistently moist but never soggy.

Pruning Tips

Since these trees bloom on old wood and are prized for their natural sculptural shape, pruning should be kept to a minimum and performed in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing the "three Ds" (dead, damaged, or diseased branches) and any crossing limbs that rub against each other. Thinning out the interior allows for better air circulation and light penetration, which keeps the inner canopy healthy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a specialized acid-loving plant food in early spring before the new buds break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leaving the tree vulnerable to winter kill.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Beautiful Bloodgood Japanese Maple

  • Landscaper's Favorite
  • Small, Graceful Tree
  • Highly Adaptable
  • Versatile
  • Requires Minimal Care
  • Dramatic Color

The Bloodgood Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood') can bring a peaceful feeling to your landscape. Like most Japanese plants, this beauty is an exceptionally ornamental tree.

It simply shines as the scarlet leaves emerge in the spring. It is little wonder why poets have praised this venerable variety for centuries. The leaf shape and color are magnificent.

Each exquisite palmate leaf will only get more brilliant throughout the year, ranging from orange-red, bronze-red, to purple-red leaves!

The delicate leaves are showcased on strong branches that are striking in the winter landscape after the leaves have fallen. Don't let its lacy look fool you, though. This is a hardy plant that can handle urban conditions.

Prized by landscape designers, this adaptable ornamental tree features remarkable color. This is a sophisticated choice. You'll adore the small tree for its great looks, and how easy it is to live with.

It's time to up your curb appeal with this gorgeous tree. Order from us today!

How to Use This in Your Landscape

This makes a perfect feature tree for a Japanese Garden. What a lovely symbol of calm clarity, with its interplay between the fine-textured leaves and the dramatic coloring. Lovely specimen trees by your front entry to welcome you home.

It makes an incredible focal point in a modern Meditation Garden, too. Let your busy day just melt away as you watch the breeze lightly blow through the leaves. Place a wind chime nearby, or a bubbling fountain. This tree is truly a gift for stressed-out modern souls.

This special tree works in both formal and informal garden styles. You'll love it as an accent plant to draw your eye. Use Bloodgood as a shade tree for smaller dwarf trees or shrubs or intersperse in groups of other Japanese Maple cultivars, or shade them under equally vibrant Red Maple trees! Underplant with perennials for an added accent!

It will thrive in a large container, and work very well for small yards, decks, or balconies. Gardeners have also pruned Japanese Maple into bonsai for thousands of years. Take the time to notice its special show for you every day.

It's at its very best in partial shade, so don't be afraid to plant it near the house or under taller trees. Use this as a special accent near your front door or patio. You'll never tire of this beautiful tree.

#ProPlantTips for Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Once established, the deciduous Bloodgood Japanese Maple is fast-growing, at a rate of 1-2 feet a year for the first few years. The tree will double in size in 5 years! After that, the tree slows down its growth rate and becomes very low-maintenance.

The typical Bloodgood Japanese Maple responds well to pruning. Prune it in autumn after enjoying the fall color show and the leaves have fallen and you can keep this easy-care tree to any size you like.

It grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained, soil. As you plant, mix in 25% peat moss with your total volume of backfill soil. Keep the soil moisture even. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.

These trees have root systems that stay near the surface. They'll benefit from a layer of arborist wood chips or mulch 4 inches deep, spread to the outside of the canopy.

Fertilize with an organic acid slow-release fertilizer, such as Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Premium Fertilizer.

When growing in containers, use Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Planting Mix, typically used for Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons. To that, add 25% Pine bark mulch (or "Pathway" mulch) for the perfect Japanese Maple Container mix.

If it receives full sun, you'll want to give it plenty of regular water. Foliage color may fade with full afternoon sun. Site this small tree so it will receive a bit of part shade during the hot summer afternoons for best results.

Many people across the country are on the hunt for this lovely tree. Please order now, we would hate to have you miss out!

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does a bloodgood japanese maple grow?
  • Bloodgood Japanese maples are slow to moderate growers, typically adding 1-2 feet per year. These compact trees usually reach 15-20 feet tall and wide at maturity over 10-15 years. Expect steady, consistent growth rather than rapid development. Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil for best growth rates.

How tall do bloodgood japanese maples get?
  • Bloodgood Japanese Maples typically reach 15-20 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact size makes them perfect specimen trees for smaller spaces and front entries. Plan for adequate spacing when planting, and shop at Nature Hills for healthy, well-rooted trees.

What are the watering requirements for a newly planted Bloodgood Japanese Maple?
  • Newly planted Bloodgood Japanese Maples need consistent moisture for the first year while establishing roots. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly during spring and summer, ensuring soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches down - water when it feels dry at that depth.

Is the Bloodgood Japanese Maple deer resistant?
  • Bloodgood Japanese Maples are not deer resistant and are actually quite susceptible to deer browsing. Deer find the tender leaves particularly appealing, especially new spring growth. For best protection, install deer fencing or use repellent sprays during growing season.

Can I grow Bloodgood Japanese Maple in a container or pot?
  • Yes, Bloodgood Japanese Maple grows well in containers due to its small, graceful size and adaptability. This hardy tree handles various conditions and requires minimal care, making it perfect for patio gardens. Choose a large pot with drainage and use quality potting mix available at naturehills.com.

When will my pre-ordered Bloodgood Japanese Maple ship, based on my zone?
  • Pre-ordered Bloodgood Japanese Maples ship according to your planting zone's optimal transplanting window, typically late fall through early spring when trees are dormant. Spring shipments usually occur 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Check your order confirmation email for specific timing based on your zone.

How do I plant a grafted Bloodgood Japanese Maple correctly, especially the graft union?
  • Plant the graft union at soil level or slightly above to prevent root rot and maintain the tree's characteristics. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Can I prune a Bloodgood Japanese Maple to keep it smaller?
  • Yes, Bloodgood Japanese Maples respond well to careful pruning to maintain size. Prune in late fall or winter when dormant to avoid bleeding sap. Focus on removing crossing branches and thinning rather than heavy cutting to preserve the tree's natural graceful form.
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