Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

Nature Hills Nursery

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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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, ideally during the cooler morning hours. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is essential to prevent the delicate, lacy foliage from scorching or fading to a dull green.
Soil: Aim for moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant the root ball slightly above the soil line in a mound to ensure the roots do not sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water your tree deeply twice a week to ensure the root system establishes itself firmly. While mature trees can handle short dry spells, inconsistent moisture often results in "leaf crisping" where the edges of the foliage turn brown and brittle. Think of consistent watering as a way to keep the tree's internal cooling system running smoothly during the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

This tree technically develops its small flowers on old wood, but you should focus your pruning on maintaining its signature cascading shape. Only prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to avoid "bleeding" sap, which can happen if you cut during the spring growth spurt. Removing crossing branches or dead tips acts like a light structural tune-up, allowing better airflow through the dense, weeping canopy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the leaf buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this promotes tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. Over-fertilizing can actually weaken the tree, so a single application at the start of the season is usually all it needs to thrive.

Delivery and Shipping

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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

The gorgeous fiery roar of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon') will turn heads when you include it in your landscape this year! Featuring bold color, a layered branch structure, and distinctive, lacy foliage! Red Dragon's vivid purple foliage holds well through the sun and heat of summer until it changes into an outstanding flaming, apple-red color in the fall!

The lacy leaves are accented in the spring with red flowers the bees seek out. Red Dragon keeps its tremendous deep color in sun or shade too! Far better than any other Laceleaf Maples! This radiant Japanese Maple is not only finely textured with its heavily dissected foliage, but also its heavily saturated purplish-crimson and scarlet color that glows!

Red Dragon has a dwarf growth habit and is well-branched with a cascading mound shape. A hardy and vigorous grower can add one foot per year once established and will reach its mature height in just 10 years. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 9, Red Dragon is both heat and cold-hardy and very easy to grow!

Landscape Application:

With its bold colors and unique foliage, this outstanding Red Dragon is a perfect choice for a small garden where you need a dramatic high-impact small tree or large shrub that turns heads!

Perfect front yard specimen, especially when elevated onto a raised berm to further highlight it! Include some boulders to allow the branches to cascade and spill out over them! Try a Red Dragon at the bottom of your steps leading to your front door, as the anchor on the corner of your home!

Perfect as a showy focal point throughout your Rock gardens, formal garden accents, and are a must-have for Asian-inspired and Meditation gardens! Include a reflection pool, other flowing shrubs and perennials, boulders, sculptures, and a trickling water feature or waterfall!

When young or kept pruned smaller, Red Dragon becomes an absolutely stunning container plant and can become a spectacular focal point in a large urn or upscale planter! Have some fun and try your hand at creating Bonsai! It's easy with this already ornamental tree!

Distinctive Scarlet/Crimson Red Palmate Foliage
Amazing Color & Elegant Branching
Red Spring Flowers & Scarlet Fall Color
Lacy Cascading Waterfall Effect
Incredible Specimens, Accents & Container Focal Points

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Handling more sun than other Japanese Maples, especially in cooler growing zones. In warmer climates, does better in dappled sun and sites with afternoon shade. Red Dragon does need some protection from cold wind and summer drought. It thrives in moist well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Not drought tolerant, Red Dragon requires regular watering, especially in the first five years. Prune if needed during the dormant winter months.

More Sun In Cooler Zones & More Shade In Warmer Climates
Well-Drained Soil
Moisture Loving Deciduous Tree
Prune When Dormant If Needed
Easy To Grow Showy Ornamental

Fiery bold red color from spring until fall, the gorgeous Red Dragon Laceleaf Japanese Maple Tree will transform your garden into a peaceful respite or upscale landscape! Order this living sculpture today at NatureHills.com!

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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.

Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'