Acer 'Red Dragon' Weeping Japanese Maple

'Red Dragon' is a weeping laceleaf Japanese maple with a definite WOW! factor. The shrubby tree stays relatively small and grows slowly, reaching a mature size of 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide over 10 years, adding brilliant color and texture to small-space gardens. 'Red Dragon' gets its name from the predominant bottom lobes on its dissected red leaves that look like a dragon's horns. The tree leafs out in early spring in a dark maroon to burgundy color and holds its color extremely well throughout the season, even in hot summers. As they flutter in the breeze, the feathery leaves show off an orange-red reverse, giving the tree an even brighter appearance. And then in autumn, it turns a bold, bright scarlet red.

An Acer palmatum var. dissectum, commonly called Japanese maple, 'Red Dragon' has a compact, low-spreading, cascading habit and is an excellent choice for a specimen or focal point in a container on a patio or deck, but it is equally good in the landscape and makes a great understory tree in sun-dappled areas. 'Red Dragon' is a perfect accent in a conifer garden, especially in spring when its gorgeous lacy red leaves create a beautiful contrast against the dark green conifers.

Don't let the delicate, lacy appearance of 'Red Dragon' Japanese maple fool you. This is a super durable, easy-care tree. It grows best in a sunny to partly shady spot with organically rich, moist, freely draining soil. It has some heat tolerance, but afternoon shade may be beneficial in the southern regions of its growing range, especially in Zone 9. Mulch 'Red Dragon' to keep its roots cool and feed it during the growing season with Espoma Organic® Tree-tone® Fruit and Shade Tree Food. Pruning is generally unnecessary, but any desired shaping should be done in late fall or midwinter.