red dragon japanese maple

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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The Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon') is a show-stopping ornamental tree, prized in New Zealand gardens for its dramatic, lace-like foliage and compact form. This beautiful maple features vivid red leaves in spring that deepen to rich purple hues in summer, then transition to fiery scarlet in autumn. With its exceptional colour and graceful shape, the Red Dragon Japanese Maple instantly elevates any landscape, making it a favourite for both experienced gardeners and those starting their plant journey. Its manageable size, typically growing to around 2-3 metres, makes it ideal for courtyards, patios, or as a striking highlight in mixed planting borders.

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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Key Features of Red Dragon Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' stands out for its deeply dissected leaves, which create an elegant, feathery appearance. It thrives in partial shade, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soils, and is relatively low-maintenance once established. This maple is celebrated for its strong tolerance to New Zealand’s climate, handling cold winters and humid summers with ease. Its slow-growing nature allows gardeners to appreciate its evolving colours throughout the season, and its compact form suits both large and small garden spaces.

Planting and Care Tips

To bring out the best colours in the Red Dragon Japanese Maple, plant it in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Shelter from strong winds prevents leaf scorch and helps keep the foliage vibrant. Water regularly during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain soil moisture. Pruning is minimal – simply remove any dead or crossing branches after winter. This maple pairs beautifully with other specimen trees, offering stunning contrast in mixed plantings. If you're considering a maple with a distinct growth habit, Acer 'Armstrong' or Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) can also be excellent companions.

Landscaping Uses

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a brilliant focal point in ornamental gardens, providing intense colour from spring through autumn. Its elegant form is perfect for Japanese-inspired designs, woodland borders, and container plantings. Plant alongside evergreen shrubs or grasses to highlight its seasonal colour change. For garden designers seeking variation, consider pairing with Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red) for dynamic foliage, or accent with hardy natives like Acacia Copper Tips for textural contrast.

Explore More Maples and Garden Trees

If you’re inspired by the Red Dragon Japanese Maple’s beauty, discover other unique ornamental trees on offer. View fast-growing maples like Acer saccharinum, fall-colour specialists such as Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred', and yellow-leaf favourites like Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold'. You’ll also find distinctive natives and exotic options including Metrosideros 'Parnell', Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree), and Gleditsia triacanthos Ruby Lace (Honey Locust).

Find Your Perfect Japanese Maple

Whether you’re seeking the unmatched colour of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple or exploring the diverse family of Acer trees, our nursery offers expert guidance and a wide range of options. Enjoy cultivating a landscape filled with vibrant colour, year-round interest, and lasting beauty with quality maples for New Zealand gardens.

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.