This upright deciduous Japanese maple is one of the best purple-leaved varieties. It has deeply cut, dark red-purple leaves that turn bright red in autumn and tiny purple-red spring flowers. Try it as a focal point in a small, contemporary or minimalist garden, where the intensity of the autumn colour can really sing. It needs a sheltered spot, away from strong winds or all-day sunshine.
How to care for Acer palmatum Bloodgood:
Add a top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of a newly planted tree in late spring and keep well watered. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant.
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
4m
Rate of growth:
Slow growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.