The leaves of this Japanese maple form a rounded canopy in an attractive branching pattern: Rather than having a single leader, the plant will often have multiple sub-trunks. Many liken the leaf shape to that on a marijuana plant. The palmatum in the Latin name is also descriptive of the leaf. As on the human hand, where fingers radiate out from the palm, “palmate” foliage bears lobes that fan out from a central point. In late spring, this tree develops double-winged samaras that redden as they mature and add some ornamental value to the plant. This common tree may reach a height of 20 feet (with a similar spread) at maturity but is a slow grower. Mulch is key to growing your maple. Mulch shields the roots from summer heat and winter cold and ensures that the roots retain moisture. You also might want to stake the tree to prevent wind from rocking it back and forth as the new roots are becoming established. Just be sure to remove the stake after the first year, or at least change the tie if it’s cutting into the bark of the tree.
Light
Dappled shade is considered the ideal exposure in most regions for this tree, but a bit more shade won’t harm it. In fact, in hot climates, a somewhat shady location can help prevent leaf scorch. The leaves tend to develop some green in them in summer if exposed to full sun.
Soil
The soil should drain well and not be too clayey; a neutral to slightly acidic soil is preferred (pH 5.0 to 7.0). Apply a loose mulch, such as wood chips or pine needles, over the soil at the beginning of the summer to help retain moisture. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk of the tree. Re-mulch every year at around the same time.
Water
After planting the tree, water it regularly twice or three times a week in the absence of rain. Established trees only need water when the weather has been hot and dry for an extended stretch. If the soil gets too saturated, it can cause root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Plant your Japanese maple where it will be protected from strong winds (which can dry out the soil quickly), and avoid hot and arid sites. Extreme heat can lead to distress; keep the soil around the tree mulched and adequately watered during hot weather to minimize damage.
Fertilizer
Don’t try to force this tree to grow faster by fertilizing it more than is necessary. In spring, before leaves emerge, add a small amount of organic slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Then fertilize the tree annually, around the same time you add the mulch (early summer).
Types of Japanese Maples
Red is the most common color for Japanese maples, although there are also various choices in other colors.
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Full Moon): Produces lime-to-chartreuse-tinged golden leaves; in fall, leaves turn orange and red.Acer palmatum ‘Beni-kawa’: Leaves emerge in spring as rich green with slight red edges, then turn deeper green in summer before turning yellow and shedding in fall.Acer palmatum ‘Harriet Waldman’: Grows to 15 feet tall (same growing conditions as for Bloodgood); new leaves start out pink but eventually turn three colors: pink, white, and green (pink and white fade as the tree ages, leaving green leaves).
Pruning
You can prune young plants to encourage a particular branching pattern. As the tree matures, pruning can be limited to standard maintenance tasks, such as removing dead branches, suckers, or branches.
Propagating ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese Maple
Nurseries propagate most Japanese maples by grafting, which takes elaborate skills and practice. Because ‘Bloodgood’ is a cultivar, growing it from seed won’t produce a tree that is true to type. It is, therefore, recommended to purchase a young tree instead of attempting to propagate it yourself.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
These trees are relatively immune to diseases and pests. However, insects such as aphids, scale, borers, and root weevils can be a problem, as can mites. Root rot and Verticillium wilt can strike if the tree is grown in wet, cold soil. Allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions is a good way to prevent these diseases.
