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Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

$15995 $29995
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Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

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Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

Planting Instructions for Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant Red Dragon in full to partial sun. In warmer climates, choose a spot with afternoon shade to protect the delicate, lace-like leaves from scorching. It holds its deep red color well even in partial shade. Allow room for its mounding, weeping form, which reaches about 6 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
  2. Soil Preparation: Red Dragon prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Avoid heavy, soggy clay or low spots where water collects. Work compost into a wide planting area to improve both drainage and moisture retention.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, then backfill with the amended soil and firm gently. Keep it away from spots exposed to strong, drying winds.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water slowly and deeply after planting to settle the soil. Mulch the base with 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark to keep the roots cool and moist, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water regularly for the first two years, especially in hot climates, keeping the soil moist but well drained. Once established, water deeply during dry spells to prevent leaf scorch on the delicate foliage. Water at the base rather than over the leaves.
  2. Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer for trees and shrubs, or simply top-dress with compost. Japanese maples need little fertilizer, and heavy feeding can push weak growth that is more prone to scorch.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Check new growth in spring for aphids and rinse them off with water. Brown, crispy leaf edges usually mean leaf scorch from too much hot sun, drying wind, or not enough water rather than disease. Deep watering, mulch, and afternoon shade in hot climates are the fix.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Prune lightly in winter while the tree is dormant. Remove dead twigs and any crossing or awkward branches to enhance the natural weeping shape. Red Dragon needs very little pruning, so avoid heavy cuts that could spoil its graceful, cascading form.
  2. Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, Red Dragon handles cold winters once established. Refresh the mulch in late fall, and in the colder end of its range, site it out of harsh winter wind. Avoid fertilizing after midsummer so growth hardens off before frost.
  3. Growing in Containers: Red Dragon is an excellent container tree thanks to its compact, slow-growing habit. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and water regularly since containers dry out faster. In cold areas, protect potted trees from hard freezes by moving them to a sheltered spot.

Additional Tips for Growing Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

  1. Season-Long Color: The finely dissected leaves hold a deep burgundy to crimson color through spring and summer, then turn a brilliant, fiery scarlet in fall. Plant it where you can see it from a window or entry to enjoy the full show.
  2. Slow and Steady Growth: Red Dragon is slow growing, which helps it keep its compact, mounding shape for years with minimal pruning. Steady moisture during the first two years helps it establish and put on healthy new growth.
  3. Design Ideas: Use Red Dragon as an accent near a front entry or garden path, as a focal point beside a water feature, or in a Japanese-inspired garden. Its dark foliage pairs beautifully with chartreuse and silver-leaved plants.
What Customers say about the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree:

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 6-10 ft.
Mature Width 8-12 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 6-10 ft.
Mature Width 8-12 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'
Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree with bright foliage in front of a house

Beware- not all Red Dragon Japanese Maples are the same.

Be sure to get superior Japanese maples, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" Japanese maples to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Red Dragon Japanese Maples in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall Japanese maples in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

A vibrant Red Dragon Japanese Maple tree with delicate, feathery red leaves stands in a landscaped front yard. The tree is surrounded by neatly trimmed green hedges and sits on a mulched bed, bordered by a stone retaining wall. A modern suburban house with a porch and beige siding is visible in the background.

Red Dragon is a compact weeping Japanese maple with finely cut, deep burgundy leaves that turn fiery scarlet in fall.

  • Deep burgundy foliage that holds its color well, even in partial shade
  • Brilliant scarlet fall color
  • Graceful, mounding form: 6-10 ft. tall and slow-growing
  • Great in containers and small gardens; hardy in zones 5-8

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "4-5 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Beautiful photo of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree in a Garden Bed

You Want Red Dragon Japanese Maples Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak maples grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take longer to fill out.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Red Dragon Japanese Maples, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and starts showing off its full, lacy weeping shape sooner.

Read more about the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

Red Dragon Japanese Maple – Fiery Color in a Compact, Elegant Form

Add sculptural beauty and rich burgundy color to your landscape—no matter the size.

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is an extraordinary ornamental tree known for its rich, burgundy-red foliage and gracefully weeping branches. This compact, slow-growing tree is the perfect addition to any landscape, offering vibrant color throughout the growing season and a stunning display of fiery red leaves in the fall. With its finely dissected, lace-like foliage and naturally weeping shape, the Red Dragon adds elegance and beauty to gardens, patios, and larger landscape designs. Its hardy nature and low-maintenance care make it a favorite for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Key Features of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple:

  • Brilliant Red Foliage: Features deep, burgundy-red leaves that hold their color throughout spring and summer, turning a brilliant scarlet in autumn.
  • Weeping, Graceful Form: Grows in a cascading, umbrella-like shape with delicate, arching branches that add elegance to any landscape.
  • Compact Size: Reaches a mature height and width of 6-8 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces, containers, or as a standout focal point in any garden.
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, handling both cooler climates and hot summers while maintaining its vibrant color.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, with little pruning needed to maintain its natural shape.

Where to Use It:

  • Accent tree near a front entry or garden path
  • Focal point in shade gardens or beside water features
  • Breathtaking container planting for patios or decks

What Gardeners Are Saying:

“We planted one in our courtyard and it’s become the star of the space. Rich color, low effort.”
— M. Lewis, Tennessee

Perfect for Small Gardens, Containers, and Ornamental Accents

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is the perfect choice for anyone seeking to add dramatic color and sophisticated form to their landscape. Its compact size and graceful, weeping habit make it ideal for small gardens, where it can serve as a striking focal point or be used to add dimension to garden beds. Its delicate foliage provides a soft, airy appearance that pairs beautifully with other plants, and its vibrant color ensures it stands out in any setting.

This tree is also an excellent option for container gardening, bringing year-round beauty to patios, decks, or entryways. In larger landscapes, the Red Dragon can be used to complement other trees and shrubs, providing contrast and interest with its bold red foliage and intricate leaf structure.

Easy to Grow and Care For

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive with minimal care. It performs best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates, where its delicate leaves can be protected from harsh sunlight. This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, particularly during dry periods. Once established, the Red Dragon is relatively drought-tolerant and only requires occasional

Why Choose Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we are committed to providing top-quality trees that are ready to thrive in your landscape. Our Red Dragon Japanese Maples are carefully grown to ensure they arrive healthy, with strong roots and vibrant foliage. With fast shipping and expert planting advice, we make it easy for you to add this stunning ornamental tree to your garden or outdoor space.

Add Year-Round Elegance with the Red Dragon Japanese Maple

Enhance your garden with the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree, celebrated for its stunning deep red foliage that delivers year-round beauty. Perfect for small spaces and landscapes, this compact tree adds elegance and vibrant color to any outdoor setting. Known for its rich, crimson leaves and graceful structure, it's a must-have for creating a striking focal point. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free shipping—buy now to bring the beauty of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple to your home!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree

How big does a Red Dragon Japanese Maple get?

A Red Dragon Japanese Maple typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, with a graceful, mounding, weeping form. It is slow growing, so it stays compact for many years. Its size makes it ideal for small gardens, entryways, Japanese-inspired gardens, and large patio containers.

Does Red Dragon Japanese Maple need sun or shade?

Red Dragon Japanese Maple grows in full to partial sun. In warmer climates, it performs best with some afternoon shade to protect its delicate, lace-like leaves from scorching. It is known for holding its deep red color well even in partial shade, which is uncommon for red-leaved maples.

What zones can Red Dragon Japanese Maple grow in?

Red Dragon Japanese Maple grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. It handles cold winters and warm summers while keeping its rich burgundy color. In the hottest parts of its range, give it afternoon shade and consistent moisture to protect the finely cut foliage.

What color is Red Dragon Japanese Maple in fall?

Red Dragon Japanese Maple turns a brilliant, fiery scarlet in fall. Through spring and summer, its finely dissected leaves hold a deep burgundy to crimson color. That long season of rich color makes it a standout focal point in the garden from spring until the leaves drop.

Can Red Dragon Japanese Maple grow in a container?

Yes, Red Dragon Japanese Maple is an excellent container tree thanks to its compact, slow-growing habit. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and water regularly, since containers dry out faster. In cold areas, protect potted trees from hard freezes to keep the roots safe.

How often should I water a Red Dragon Japanese Maple?

Water a Red Dragon Japanese Maple regularly for its first two years, especially in hot climates, keeping the soil moist but well drained. Mulch the base to keep roots cool and moist. Once established, water deeply during dry spells to prevent leaf scorch on the delicate foliage.

When should I prune a Red Dragon Japanese Maple?

Prune a Red Dragon Japanese Maple lightly in winter while it is dormant. Remove dead twigs and any crossing or awkward branches to enhance its natural weeping shape. It needs very little pruning, so avoid heavy cuts that could spoil its graceful, cascading form.

What soil does a Red Dragon Japanese Maple need?

Red Dragon Japanese Maple prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Avoid heavy, soggy clay or low spots where water collects. Adding compost at planting and a layer of mulch afterward helps hold moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Why are my Red Dragon Japanese Maple leaves turning brown?

Brown, crispy leaf edges on a Red Dragon Japanese Maple usually mean leaf scorch from too much hot sun, drying wind, or not enough water. Water deeply during dry spells, add mulch to keep roots cool, and provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Newly planted trees are especially prone to scorch.

How fast does a Red Dragon Japanese Maple grow?

Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a slow-growing tree, which helps it keep its compact, mounding shape for years with minimal pruning. Its slow pace makes it ideal for small spaces and containers. Steady moisture during its first two years helps it establish and put on healthy new growth.
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