Japanese maples with rich, deep red or purplish-red foliage are often described as “redwood Japanese maples” due to their color resemblance to redwood trees. These Acer palmatum varieties are a popular choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant, long-lasting color accent in their landscapes.
Identifying “Redwood” Characteristics
“Redwood” Japanese maples are characterized by their distinctive foliage, which displays deep red, purplish-red, or maroon hues. The intensity of this color can vary seasonally, with some varieties emerging with bright burgundy tones in spring, maintaining deep red through summer, and then transforming into fiery crimson or scarlet in autumn. Cultivars like ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Crimson Queen’, ‘Emperor One’, and ‘Garnet’ are known for their persistent deep red foliage.
The leaves of these maples exhibit various textures and shapes, from the classic lobed leaves of upright varieties to the lacy and finely divided foliage of dissected or laceleaf types. Beyond the leaves, the growth habits of “redwood” Japanese maples vary widely, encompassing upright, mounding, weeping, and dwarf forms. Some varieties may feature colorful bark, such as bright red twigs, which provide visual interest even in winter.
Optimal Growing Conditions
“Redwood” Japanese maples thrive in conditions. They prefer a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, as intense afternoon sun causes leaf scorch. In cooler regions, some red-leaved varieties can tolerate full sun, which can even enhance their color intensity. Protection from strong winds is beneficial, as wind can dry out leaves and cause tip scorching.
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is ideal for these maples, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Enriching the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted leaf mold improves drainage, retains moisture, and provides essential nutrients, promoting vigorous root development. Consistent moisture is important, especially for newly planted trees, but waterlogging should be avoided to prevent root rot. While established trees can tolerate some drought, regular deep watering is needed during dry periods. Most Japanese maples are hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, though some varieties can extend into Zone 4 or 9.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Pruning is best performed in late winter or early spring before leaf buds emerge, or in summer after leaves have fully developed, to avoid excessive sap bleeding. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or broken branches first, then address overgrown or crowded areas to improve air circulation and maintain the tree’s natural shape. Avoid removing more than one-fifth of the tree’s crown or pruning branches larger than half the diameter of the parent stem to prevent stress.
Japanese maples do not require heavy fertilization; too much nitrogen can lead to weak, thin growth and reduce fall color. A slow-release, granular fertilizer with a low nitrogen content (N-P-K, where N is 15 or under) can be applied once a year in early spring. If the soil is rich in organic matter, fertilization may only be needed every other year. Common pests affecting Japanese maples include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites, which can be managed with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Diseases such as verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and leaf spot are fungal and mitigated by ensuring good drainage, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining overall tree health.
Landscape Design Ideas
“Redwood” Japanese maples are versatile trees. They serve as excellent focal points, drawing the eye with their vibrant deep red foliage, especially when contrasted against a backdrop of lighter green plants or neutral structures. Their diverse growth habits, from upright and rounded to weeping and dwarf, allow them to fit into spaces of varying sizes. Larger upright varieties can anchor a garden bed, while smaller weeping forms can cascade over retaining walls or near water features, creating a serene and graceful effect.
Companion plants complementing their deep color include plants with contrasting textures or foliage, such as bold-leaved hostas or fine-textured conifers. They can be integrated into mixed borders or used as accent plants along pathways. When placing these maples, consider their mature size to ensure adequate space and visual impact. Their non-invasive root systems make them suitable for planting near foundations or in large containers, expanding design possibilities.