Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is one of the most appreciated varieties of Japanese maple, renowned for its intense purplish-red foliage that remains stable throughout the growing season and turns bright red in autumn.

It appears as a small tree or large deciduous shrub, with an elegant and slightly spreading habit, exhibiting slow to moderate growth. At maturity, it typically reaches 4–6 meters in height, with a crown up to 5 meters wide.

The leaves are palmate, deeply lobed, and medium-sized, with finely serrated edges. They emerge in spring in an intense purplish-red shade, maintain a stable coloration throughout the summer even under sun exposure, and turn bright red in autumn.

The flowers, small and reddish in color, appear in spring along with the foliage; they are followed by the typical maple fruits, samaras, which are also reddish.

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ adapts best to partial shade or filtered sunlight but is one of the Japanese maple cultivars most tolerant of direct sun, especially if the soil is kept cool.

It prefers acidic or neutral soils that are well-drained, rich in organic matter, and cool.

It is hardy and well resistant to cold (down to -20°C), but it can be affected by dry or warm winds that may scorch the leaf edges. It does not require significant pruning, except to remove damaged branches or to lightly shape the plant in late winter or late summer.

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is ideal for small gardens, courtyards, ornamental borders, zen gardens, or spacious terraces, and is perfectly suited as a specimen plant to create an elegant and striking focal point.

→ Discover Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Inaba-Shidare’, a variety with deep purple foliage and a cascading habit.