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About twenty years ago Duncan & Davises of New Zealand developed Japanese Maple Red Dragon which is now being touted as the replacement of Crimson Queen as the most popular lace-leafed feature in American gardens. Hardiness, trainability and color retention are a few of the characteristics that account for the quick acceptance of this new variation of dissectum cultivars. Great trees for a wide variety of environments, the Japanese Maple Red Dragon is in great demand from nurseries and is often sold out early in the season.
For years Crimson Queen, Garnet, and Tamukeyama varieties of lace-leaf Japanese Maples have dominated the feature spots in gardens, tubs, and landscapes. With the introduction of Japanese Maple Red Dragon, less than two decades ago that has changed. The leaves resemblance to dragon claws is the inspiration for the name of this rather quickly growing acer dissectum. Japanese Maple Red Dragon presents itself in three distinct colors each year. April's purple red leaves darken to purple burgundy in summer and then transition to a bright red in August. The deep purple, nearly black bark on young branches give it a graceful appearance while leafless in the winter garden landscape.
Relatively fast growing, hardy, and widely adaptable, the Japanese Maple Red Dragon is a welcome improvement in the species. During the first five years this cultivar can grow up to a foot per year. The airy, slightly weeping semi-dwarf Japanese Maple Red Dragon seldom exceeds 12' at full maturity and is hardier than its cousins. Although it prefers dappled light, it can stand more sun than any of the other dissectum cultivars without suffering leaf or bark burn. This maple prefers to be well watered and only fertilized in the cooler months. During the growing season it is important to deep water the tree routinely to prevent stress. Like all Japanese Maples, the Japanese Maple Red Dragon does not do well with being sprayed with insecticides in warm weather so spraying should be only done in cases of a massive insect infestation during the summer. These characteristics make it a relatively easy tree to maintain. The natural presentation is upright and loosely structured giving it a very airy appearance but it can be trained to be denser and more weeping when young and will hold that form once mature.
Well suited to all sorts of environments, from container growing to understory trees in a wooded setting, the Japanese Maple Red Dragon is in great demand. Purchasing Red Dragon trees early is advisable as often the stock is sold out by early spring. These trees will not grow from seed, therefore, low and high graft trees are available to choose from.
The relatively new variety, Japanese Maple Red Dragon, has gained a strong foothold in the hearts of gardeners in the short time it has been available. Whether trained as a bonsai or an upright compliment to taller trees, the Red Dragon adds vibrant color to the landscaped year round.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about trees and shrubs and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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