Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Nursery-Grown, Ready to Plant
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- Brilliant crimson fall color on a slow-growing tree suited for smaller properties
- Non-toxic to pets and people; moderate deer resistance
- Hardy in zones 5,8; thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade
About this plant
Bloodgood Japanese Maple is a slow-growing ornamental deciduous tree prized for its deep crimson fall foliage and gracefully spreading branching habit. It excels as a focal point specimen in smaller gardens, Japanese and Zen-style landscapes, and sheltered courtyards. The semi-dwarf growth pattern makes it particularly suited for properties where space is limited but visual impact matters.
This QT container specimen is nursery-grown and ready to establish in your garden or larger container. Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil with afternoon shade in hot climates. Water regularly throughout the first season to establish consistent soil moisture; while established trees handle brief dry spells, young plants need reliable water to develop strong roots.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple at a glance
| Botanical name | Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | deciduous tree (small ornamental) |
| USDA zones | 5-8, some sources extend to 9 with afternoon shade |
| Mature height | 15-20 ft (some sources say up to 20-25 ft over many decades) |
| Mature width | 15-20 ft |
| Sun | full sun to part shade; afternoon shade recommended in hot southern climates to prevent leaf scorch |
| Water | moderate, consistent moisture; not drought tolerant once established without regular water, but established trees handle brief dry spells |
| Bloom time | mid-spring (April-May) |
| Bloom color | small reddish-purple flowers, not showy |
| Growth rate | slow to moderate, roughly 12-18 inches per year |
| Deer resistance | moderate to good (occasionally browsed, not a preferred food) |
| Best planting time | early spring or fall preferred; avoid planting in extreme summer heat |
Container sizes explained
| Quart / QT | A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several. |
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Questions before you buy
What size does this plant arrive in, and should I repot it?
This nursery QT (quart) container specimen is ready to plant directly into your garden or to pot up into a larger container. Many growers repot into a 5,7 gallon pot if keeping it containerized long-term. Either way, the tree will grow toward its mature size of 15,20 feet over 15,20+ years.
When should I plant this after it arrives?
Plant in spring or fall, which are the ideal seasons for establishing new growth. If you must delay, keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in dappled shade for a few days. Avoid planting during summer heat stress.
How large does a Bloodgood Japanese Maple grow?
It reaches a landscape-usable size of 6,8 feet in 5,7 years. Mature height is typically 15,20 feet with a similar spread, though it can take 15,20+ years to reach full size. It's a slow-growing tree, adding roughly 12,18 inches per year.
Does this maple need full sun?
Bloodgood Japanese Maple thrives in full sun to part shade. In hot southern climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps fall color more vibrant. Morning sun with afternoon shelter is ideal in very hot regions.
What zones does this maple grow in?
Bloodgood is hardy in USDA zones 5,8. Some sources extend it to zone 9 with afternoon shade in hot climates. It's reliable in zones 5,7 and performs well in protected microclimates within zone 8.
What should I focus on during the first year?
Consistent watering is key the first season; the tree is not drought tolerant while young and needs reliable moisture to develop strong roots. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich; compact or poorly drained soil will stress the plant. Afternoon shade in hot climates prevents leaf scorch during the critical establishment phase.