Add refined color and graceful texture to your landscape with Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Dragon' (Japanese Maple 'Red Dragon'). This laceleaf Japanese maple forms a compact, cascading mound with finely dissected leaves that emerge bright red, deepen to burgundy through summer, and finish with vivid crimson tones in fall. Its layered, weeping habit makes it a standout as a specimen near patios, entryways, or as a focal point in an Asian-inspired garden.

Give your tree a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright dappled shade beneath an open canopy. In hotter or windier locations, extra protection helps prevent leaf scorch. Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment. A 2-3 inch mulch ring helps moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture, but keep mulch a few inches back from the trunk.

Expect mature size around 8-10 feet tall with a similar spread over time. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer. Light pruning is usually all that is needed: remove dead, crossing, or poorly placed branches and maintain the natural cascading shape. For best structure, prune in late winter while dormant or make small corrective cuts after leaf drop.

'Red Dragon' also performs well in large containers when you provide consistent moisture and winter root protection. Choose a pot with excellent drainage, use a high-quality well-draining mix, and avoid letting the container dry completely. With thoughtful placement and steady care, you'll enjoy season-long color and elegant texture for years.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 5-8 (-20 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun
• Growth rate: Slow
• Mature height: 96-120"
• Spread: 120-144"

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