Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' – The Deep Red Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', commonly known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for its rich, dark red foliage that provides a striking contrast throughout the seasons. Known for its graceful, rounded form and vibrant autumn colours, 'Bloodgood' is a popular choice for both ornamental gardens and landscapes. Its compact size and striking appearance make it a perfect feature tree for smaller gardens, patios, or even as a container plant.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
- In spring, Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' bursts forth with deep, rich burgundy-red leaves that gradually turn darker as the season progresses. The foliage provides a striking contrast to other plants in the garden, especially against lighter or green hues.
- The tree begins to take on its graceful, rounded shape, with its branches elegantly spreading out, creating a dense canopy of vibrant colour.
Summer:
- During the summer months, the deep red foliage of 'Bloodgood' holds its rich colour, providing a bold, dramatic look in the landscape. The tree's form remains neat and compact, offering a refined appearance that enhances garden aesthetics.
- As the heat of summer sets in, the tree remains resilient, thriving in full sun to partial shade, though the red tones may soften in full sun. It continues to provide colour and texture throughout the warmer months.
Autumn:
- In autumn, Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' truly comes into its own, as its foliage turns even more intense shades of red and purple. The deep red tones create a stunning, fiery display, making the tree one of the most striking specimens in the garden during the fall season.
- The brilliant autumn foliage offers a beautiful contrast against the autumn sky and the surrounding landscape, creating a dramatic focal point.
Winter:
- In winter, the tree’s branches are revealed as the foliage falls, adding a delicate, architectural shape to the landscape. Its dark bark provides contrast against the bare branches, offering visual interest in the colder months.
- While the tree is dormant, its elegant form continues to provide structure to the garden, standing out even without its vibrant leaves.
Structure & Form
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Height & Spread: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' typically grows to a height of 4–6m and a spread of 4–5m, making it an excellent choice for medium-sized gardens, as well as smaller urban spaces. Its size makes it a perfect feature tree or focal point.
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Form: This Japanese Maple has a graceful, rounded, and vase-like form. The branches arch upwards and outward, creating a densely foliaged canopy that provides both beauty and shade.
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Growth Habit: 'Bloodgood' has a slow to moderate growth rate, allowing it to maintain its compact form over time. It requires minimal pruning, and its natural shape is well-suited for a variety of landscapes.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Specimen Tree: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a stunning specimen tree, ideal for planting as a focal point in gardens or as an ornamental tree in courtyards, patios, or near water features.
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Japanese Gardens & Zen Gardens: Its elegant form and vibrant colour make it a perfect addition to Japanese or Zen-style gardens, where it can serve as a symbolic element of peace and tranquillity.
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Small Gardens & Urban Spaces: Its moderate size makes 'Bloodgood' ideal for small gardens, courtyards, or urban spaces, where it can add vertical beauty without taking up too much space.
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Contemporary Landscapes: The clean, refined shape and rich red foliage provide a modern aesthetic, making it a popular choice for contemporary gardens or minimalist designs.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s particularly best in locations that receive some afternoon shade to protect its delicate foliage from the harsh midday sun, which can cause leaf scorch.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It thrives in moist, fertile soil, and it should be planted in an area that is not too prone to waterlogging.
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Maintenance: This tree is relatively low-maintenance. It benefits from regular watering, especially in dry periods, but once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. It should be protected from strong winds, which can damage the delicate branches. Pruning is minimal; only remove dead or damaged wood as needed.
Why Choose Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'?
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a beautiful and versatile tree, offering stunning foliage and graceful form that will stand out in any garden. Its deep red foliage provides year-round interest, with vibrant colours in spring, summer, and autumn. With its moderate size, slow growth rate, and low-maintenance care, it is perfect for smaller spaces, urban gardens, or as a statement tree in larger landscapes.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Perennials: Pair with perennial plants like Hostas, Astilbes, or Ferns to create a soothing contrast of textures and colours.
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Evergreens: Combine with evergreen shrubs such as Boxwood or Yew to create a year-round garden that contrasts beautifully with the red foliage of 'Bloodgood'.
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Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Carex will provide a dynamic contrast to the soft, arching branches of this maple.
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Flowering Shrubs: Complement with flowering shrubs like Rhododendron, Azalea, or Hydrangea to create a layered, colourful display.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a timeless, elegant tree that adds exceptional colour and structure to any garden. Its deep red foliage, graceful form, and easy-care nature make it an ideal choice for small gardens, landscapes, and as a specimen tree. Whether enhancing a Zen garden or serving as a focal point in a more modern space, this Japanese Maple brings beauty and interest throughout the seasons.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.