How to Grow and Care for Bloodgood Japanese Maple

The 'Bloodgood' Japanese maple is an ideal deciduous tree for smaller yards. Most people use them as specimen trees, although they are also used in bonsai. They bloom in spring, and this is when the red in their foliage is often at its brightest. This common tree may reach a height of 20 feet (with a similar spread) at maturity but is a slow grower. It requires dappled shade and well-draining soil. Read on for our care guide.

'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple Care

These are the main care requirements for growing a 'Bloodgood' Japanese maple:

• Plant in the fall
• Requires mulch to shield roots from summer heat and winter cold
• Stake tree to prevent it from rocking as roots are establishing
• Likes dappled shade

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.

Overwintering

Roots of maples continue to grow throughout the fall and early winter months if temperatures are not below freezing. Adding a layer of mulch shields the roots from the winter cold and ensures that the roots retain moisture. If growing a small, bonsai form of the tree, move it indoors during the cooler months.

Common Growing Problems

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency in your 'Bloodgood' Japanese maple. This could be iron, potassium, nitrogen, or sulfur. Consider when you last fertilized—while you don't want to overfertilize, ensure you are doing so at least once a year.

Curling Leaves

If you notice your tree's leaves starting to curl, check the soil. If it's overly wet, you may be waterlogging your plant, which can drown roots and cause leaves to curl. Conversely, if the soil feels too dry, you may be underwatering. Both can cause leaf curl. Restore the right balance of water to remedy.

From: thespruce