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There are numerous species of Japanese maples. The wide variety ensures that there is a specimen suited for every type of gardening environment. One of the newest cultivars of the Japanese maple family is the exciting Red Dragon. Introduced in New Zealand, the Japanese Red Dragon Maple is turning heads with its bold color, open branch system, and distinctive foliage.
The Japanese Red Dragon maple is a small, shrubby tree with weeping branches. It belongs to the dissectum category, meaning that its leaves are lacy and delicate. The long deeply divided leaves have been described as thousand of dragon claws hanging from each branch. The foliage color ranges from bright red in springtime, reddish-green in the summer, turning to a rich burgundy red in the fall. A slow-growing tree, Red Dragon Japanese maples add only a few inches in height each year, ultimately reaching 8’ – 10’ at maturity in approximately 15 years.
The slow growth and open branch system of the Red Dragon make it a perfect choice for container planting or bonsai cultivation. Training the red Dragon for Bonsai should begin within its first 2-3 years of growth. Of course, Red Dragons also work well in small gardens and are especially eye-catching when placed on a rise in the terrain so that you appreciate the full sweep of the cascading branches.
Most Japanese maples are pretty hardy and Red Dragon is no exception. It thrives in moist well-drained soil, but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. It is not particularly drought tolerant, so ensure that it gets regular watering, especially in the first five years. It has been successfully raised throughout the Midwest and can even tolerate the heat and humidity further south. However, if planted in the South, you should ensure that it receives filtered sunlight, not full afternoon sun. In more temperate climates, the Japanese Red Dragon maple can handle full sun once established. Unless training the tree in Bonsai, the Red Dragon requires minimal pruning beyond the removal of damaged branches or minor shaping.
The new Japanese Red Dragon maple is an exciting and different look in acer palmatums. Its small size, cascading branches, and brilliant lacy scarlet foliage make it a standout in any landscape. Hardy and versatile, it adds instant impact to your yard or container garden. The Red Dragon is being saluted as the Japanese maple cultivar that may replace the Crimson Queen as the standard by which all new species are judged.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about Japanese Red Dragon Maple and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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