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Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Saptakee Sengupta
Bloodgood Japanese maple is one of the most popular Japanese maple cultivars. The trees are extremely beautiful with colorful flowers, leaves, and fruits. Read ahead to know the attributes of these trees.
Imagine the beauty of your garden, with blossomed maple trees ornamenting the landscape ethereally. One such wonderful maple species, is the Bloodgood Japanese maple.
This plant grows in Japan, parts of China, Russia, Mongolia, and Korea and is used mostly as a decorative and landscaping plant due to its attractive appeal with blood red, crimson, and purple leaves. It's a rare plant that needs proper care for growth and survival.
The scientific name of this tree is Acer palmatum. It's also popular as Smooth Japanese Maple or simply as Japanese Maple.
This cultivar is one of the most popular Japanese maple trees and is found almost in every part of Japan. A few sub species have also been identified having almost similar attributes.
  • Japanese maple is a deciduous shrub that grows up to a height of approximately 15 - 20 feet and spreads almost equally in its branching.
  • The plant is grown for foliage and it bears reddish purple leaves during the summer season which transform to bright crimson during fall.
  • This tree's growth rate is considerably fast and it can sustain itself on clumps and trunks.
  • The tree is devoid of thorns and has different types of leaves that range from serrated, parted, or simple.
  • The plant is laden with flowers and fruits during the winter season. This enhances the beauty of the plant.

Bloodgood Japanese Maple Care

It is also capable of growing in small spaces. Their root system is quite conservative and does not create any problems to the neighboring trees. They are propagated from softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and also from woody stem cuttings. They may also be cultivated by a process known as grafting.
  • First, prepare the soil for growing the plant. The plant prefers soil having neutral pH. High alkalinity or high acidity hinders its growth. The soil should contain an adequate amount of moisture and be well-drained. Clayey and soggy soil should be avoided.
  • Prepare the soil by adding fertilizers. Sometimes a water well is created by mounding compacted soil around the perimeter of the hole that is dug on the soil to secure the plant. This is meant for directing water to the plant.
  • After adding fertilizers, you also need to prepare a 3 inch mulch bed that is a must for proper growth of the plant. You can test the soil once these preliminary steps have been executed. Make sure that you check the nitrogen content and pH of the soil.
  • The plant often fails to grow when exposed to direct sunlight. So you need to create a zone of partial or full shadow through which it will receive indirect sunlight. Plant the trees under the shades of tall branches which will help filter the sunlight. However, you must observe its growth and ensure that the plant is not struggling for nutrients.
  • A hole is dug that is at least thrice the diameter of the root ball and is considerably deep. You should look for the stem that was closest to the ground. This portion is known as root collar which is secured in the soil. Fix the plant into the soil and spread the roots. Then pack it with soil.
  • You must occasionally check for pest attack or weed attack. The plant should also be protected from fungal attack, aphids, and other types of root diseases. Purchase the recommended pest control products or fungicides and follow the instructions before using them.
These were some of the basic requirements of Bloodgood Japanese maple trees. You should trim or prune the plant at least once annually. At the end of the growing season the trees will shed their leaves. The beauty, color, and features of this cultivar are amazingly beautiful and a delight for you if you are an avid gardener.