Red Japanese Maple Tree (Bloodleaf)

Bloodleaf Japanese Maple Tree is a breathtaking focal point through every season - from its dainty, reddish-purple flower clusters in the spring that are approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in size, to its extraordinary autumn display as the foliage turns a brilliant, fiery crimson. This graceful deciduous tree typically matures to a height and spread of 15 to 25 feet, featuring a rounded shape with a delicate, airy canopy. Its deep burgundy-purple leaves provide a dramatic contrast against traditional green landscapes and its artistic branch structure provides beautiful architectural interest in the winter. While its foliage is the main attraction, Red Leaf Japanese Maple Trees also drop charming winged seeds called samaras, which spin like helicopters or whirlybirds in the spring. Its compact size and slow growth make it perfect for smaller yards and large containers. Cultivate a living work of art with the Red Japanese Maple and create a serene, zen-like atmosphere to your outdoor sanctuary.

Also Known As: Red Japanese Maple, Purple Japanese Maple, Upright Red Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum, Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Wine-leaf Maple, Japanese Red Leaf Maple, Purple-leaf Japanese Maple, Ornamental Red Maple, Érable du Japon pourpre, Japanischer Ahorn.

Plant Name:	Tree, Bloodleaf Japanese Maple
Latin Name:	Acer palmatum atropurpureum Bloodleaf
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	3 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 20 Feet
Spread:	15 - 20 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 10 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds in hot tap water for 24 hours, prior to stratification. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Soak seeds 24 hours in hot tap water prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 3/4 inch deep and spaced 20 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	3/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8-15 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	15-20 feet

Care During the Season:

Japanese Maple Trees prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. In Spring, mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, control weeds, and protect the root system from temperature extremes. Summer is the most critical period; because this variety is prone to "leaf scorch," you may provide consistent, deep watering during dry spells and ensure the tree is shielded from intense, direct afternoon sun and drying winds. As Fall begins, gradually reduce any supplemental feeding to allow the wood to harden, but continue deep watering until the ground freezes to ensure the tree enters dormancy well-hydrated. During Winter, younger trees benefit from a burlap wrap in wind-prone areas to prevent desiccation, and you should carefully monitor for heavy snow accumulation that could snap the tree's elegant, brittle branches.