Trees
Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
Red Dragon Japanese maple
Red Dragon forms a low, broad Japanese maple with deeply divided foliage and less strongly drooping growth than many laceleaf selections. Dark purple spring leaves shift toward red, with bronze tones possible in hot summers. A vivid crimson autumn display finishes its changing season of foliage.
At a glance
- Sun
- Partial shade in hot climates
- Size
- Height: 3–5 ft in 10 years · Width: 5–6 ft in 10 years
- Water
- Evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA 5–9
Sizes & prices
- #5Japanese Maple Finest lacelef Plum$189.99
- #7Call for price
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Ornamental specimen
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Form
- Weeping
- Growth rate
- Moderate (grower rating)
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Mild resistance reported for Japanese maple; protect young trees.
- Drought
- Poor tolerance; dry soil can scorch leaves.
- Wet soil
- Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Seasonal interest
- Fall color
- Red
Growing & care
- Soil
- Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.
- Pruning
- Keep pruning minimal and preserve the natural branching. Remove dead or crossing shoots; make small corrective cuts after full leaf expansion to limit sap bleeding. Cut back to a well-placed side branch, without leaving stubs.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0
Image notes: Red Dragon Japanese maple. Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.