Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a type of Japanese Maple Tree. It has been cultivated since the 1930s. It is a popular ornamental tree that is prized for its beautiful, delicate leaves and attractive branching structure. It grows to around 150cm (59″) tall and produces blood red leaves in spring and then later they start to turn a scarlet color in autumn before finally losing their leaves for the winter.
This Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is ideal for planting in tubs and also works well as a focal feature in the garden when planted in beds or boarders. It is a shade-tolerant variety that can be grown in full sun or semi-shade locations. The leaves are deep green on top and lighter green underneath.
Giving Good Protection For The Plant
It is important to protect the tree from strong winds and harsh weather conditions. In warmer climates, it is best to plant the tree in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade, as the heat and intensity of the afternoon sun can be stressful for the tree. In cooler climates, the tree can tolerate more sun, but it is still important to provide some protection from strong winds.
‘Bloodgood’ is generally considered to be more sun-tolerant than some other cultivars of Acer Palmatum, but it is still a good idea to provide some afternoon shade to protect the tree from the hottest part of the day. If you are planting ‘Bloodgood’ in an area with full sun, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree is watered regularly to prevent the roots from drying out.
In addition to choosing the right location, it is also important to plant ‘Bloodgood’ in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and to provide regular watering and occasional fertilization to keep the tree healthy and vigorous. By following these simple care tips, you can help your ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple thrive and enjoy its beautiful red foliage for years to come.
- Planting Area: Fertile well-drained soil, slightly acidic soil will produce a stronger red color in autumn
- Hardiness: Hardy, but best planted in a sheltered spot away from cold drying winds
- Max Height: 150cm (59″)
How To Care For Your Plant?
The Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ plant is easy to maintain and look after. When you purchase one of these plants you should first soak the roots in a bucket of water for 30 minutes and then plant to the same depth as the soil level in the pot. Water regularly until established especially if planted in a pot, remember the rain is not enough to water plants in pots you should always add more water with a watering can or hose pipe.
It is recommended that you add a general fertilizer when planting such as bone meal or fish blood and bone, the plant may produce a deeper red in autumn if you use an acid feed but is not really necessary.
You can mulch up in winter for added protection from the cold winters and then in early spring cut away any diseased, damaged, or unwanted growth with pruners.
With proper care, these trees can thrive in a variety of landscapes, including gardens, patios, and even indoor spaces. Here are some tips for taking care of Acer Palmatum:
Choose the right location:
Acer Palmatum prefers partial shade to full sun, and it is important to protect the tree from strong winds and harsh weather conditions. In warmer climates, it is best to plant the tree in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler climates, the tree can tolerate more sun, but it is still important to provide some protection from strong winds.
Plant the tree correctly:
When planting Acer Palmatum, it is important to choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree should be planted at the same depth it was in the container, and it is a good idea to add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water regularly:
Acer Palmatum requires regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. The tree should be watered deeply at least once a week, or more often if the soil is dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize sparingly:
Acer Palmatum does not require a lot of fertilizer, and it is important to be careful not to overfertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the tree’s overall health. Slow-release fertilization can be applied in the spring, and a light application of compost can be added around the base of the tree in the fall.
Acer Palmatum Pruning Techniques
If you want your Acer Palmatum to appear its best and produce lovely flowers, you must take careful care of it. In order to keep your tree healthy and attractive, encourage new growth, and guard against disease, pruning is a crucial component of tree care. How to prune your Acer palmatum like a pro is shown here.
Amass the necessary tools for the job first. You’ll need loppers (for thicker branches), gloves, safety goggles, and a pair of sharp pruning shears. It’s crucial to comprehend the fundamentals of good pruning; for example, you should only cut away dead or damaged wood, avoid slicing into massive branches without a plan, and never remove more than one-third of the tree’s total foliage in a single year.
The moment has come to begin pruning! Dead or diseased wood should be removed first, followed by any crossing branches that are pushing each other out, and finally, any stray twigs that are growing at strange angles or that otherwise distract from the tree’s general shape should be cut off. After you’re done, give your freshly pruned tree a little extra TLC by fertilizing it or giving it a cup of compost tea. This will assist in guaranteeing that the new growth is robust and healthy for many years to come.
Acer Palmatum does not require a lot of pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. It is also a good idea to remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as these can cause damage to the tree over time. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf bud.
By following these simple care tips, you can help your Acer Palmatum thrive and enjoy its beautiful foliage for years to come. In addition to these basic care techniques, there are many creative ways to enhance the beauty of your Acer Palmatum. For example, you can plant companion plants that complement the tree’s foliage and add color and texture to your garden. Arborvitae, Chinese Juniper, Coral Bells, and Ferns are some of the companion plants that you can consider planting together with Acer Palmatum.
All in all, taking good care of an Acer Palmatum is relatively easy with just a few simple steps. With regular pruning, watering, fertilization and protection from extreme temperatures when needed, I’m sure you’ll enjoy many years of beauty from your majestic tree!
