red dragon dwarf japanese maple

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

The Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon') is a true showstopper in any New Zealand garden. Renowned for its brilliant red-purple foliage and compact, cascading growth habit, this dwarf Japanese maple is an excellent choice for courtyards, patios, and smaller garden spaces. Its finely-divided leaves emerge a vibrant burgundy-red in spring, deepen through summer, and finish the season in fiery crimson. Unlike larger maples, the Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple typically reaches only 2 meters tall and wide, making it ideal for containers, rockeries, or as a striking feature plant. With minimal maintenance needs and robust cold tolerance, this standout specimen thrives in sheltered positions with dappled sunlight.

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' is a spectacular Japanese Maple renowned for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful cascading habit. The rich burgundy leaves retain their colour through the growing season before developing brilliant crimson tones in autumn.

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon'

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
2.50 m
Spread:
2.50 m
Garden uses:
Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles:
Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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Why Choose Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple?

If you’re seeking dramatic color and year-round visual interest without dominating your landscape, the Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple delivers. Its weeping framework creates elegant structure, while vivid foliage provides a dynamic accent for garden beds and borders. Ideal for Japanese-style plantings, woodland gardens, or as a companion to evergreens, this maple harmonizes beautifully with a variety of trees and shrubs such as Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and the crisp greens of Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold'. Its compact size also complements taller specimens like Acer 'Armstrong' or Acer saccharinum, allowing you to layer color and texture throughout your outdoor space.

Planting and Care Tips

The Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple prefers a sheltered spot protected from strong wind and harsh afternoon sun. Morning light or dappled shade will help the foliage retain its rich, red tones. Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool, and water regularly during dry spells, particularly in the plant’s first few years. With low fertiliser needs and minimal pruning, it's wonderfully fuss-free—simply remove crossing or dead branches in winter to maintain its graceful silhouette. Thanks to its moderate growth, it also suits container culture, perfect for patios or entryways.

Companion Planting and Garden Design

Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple shines when paired with contrasting foliage forms and textures. Try underplanting with woodland perennials or clustering with evergreens and maples for a truly harmonious landscape design. For year-round interest, consider teaming with structural trees like Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred', or unique natives like Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) and Melicytus chathamicus (Chatham Island Mahoe).

Explore More Unique Trees

If you’re inspired by the Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple, explore our extensive range of standout trees. Expand your maple collection with Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) for golden autumn colour, or add spring blossoms with Malus sieboldii. For something tropical, Tabebuia rosea introduces soft pink blooms, rounding out your botanical palette.

Transform your garden into a tapestry of colour and form with the Red Dragon Dwarf Japanese Maple—a timeless piece for New Zealand landscapes seeking elegance and impact in a compact specimen.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.