red dragon japanese maple tree

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 Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon') is a stunning feature plant treasured for its dramatic, finely-dissected foliage and compact, graceful shape. A real standout among Japanese maples, Red Dragon offers a vibrant colour display through the seasons and thrives in New Zealand’s gardens. Its vibrant burgundy-red leaves emerge in spring, deepen in colour throughout summer, and turn fiery crimson in autumn, providing year-round visual interest and enhancing any landscape design. Whether you're an urban gardener with a small courtyard or planning an impressive focal point in a larger garden, the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree delivers timeless elegance and year-round appeal.

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. This elegant deciduous tree provides outstanding year round interest and makes a striking focal point in the landscape. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' is highly valued for its compact size, ornamental beauty, and refined appearance.

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 a Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree?

This much-loved maple variety is prized not only for its colour but also for its weeping, cascading growth habit, which adds a sculptural quality to borders, patios, and containers. The Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree typically reaches about 2 x 2 metres over 10 years, making it ideal for smaller spaces or as an eye-catching specimen in mixed plantings. Its striking foliage pairs beautifully with evergreens and contrasting yellows or greens—consider adding an Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' for a dazzling colour contrast.

Growing Conditions and Care

Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and enjoys a sheltered position with morning sun and afternoon shade—perfect for the dappled light under taller trees or as a dramatic container plant on a shaded patio. Protection from harsh wind and strong afternoon sun will preserve its delicate foliage. This variety is frost-hardy once established and needs only minimal pruning to maintain its natural shape.

Ideal Uses in the Garden

The Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree is exceptionally versatile:
- Use as a focal point in Japanese-inspired gardens, courtyards or entryways
- Plant in containers for patios and decks
- Incorporate into mixed borders, woodland gardens, or alongside water features
- Pair with other striking ornamental trees like Fagus sylvatica 'Red Obelisk' or create a tapestry of maples with Acer japonicum 'Green Cascade'

Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree and Other Maples

If you’re inspired by the Red Dragon’s unique presence, consider exploring other members of the Acer family for even greater diversity in your garden. Fastigiate types like Acer 'Armstrong' and large, stately trees such as Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) or Acer saccharinum provide structure and seasonal shade. Blending several maple varieties can enrich your landscape with dynamic changes throughout the year.

Enhance Your Garden with Red Dragon Japanese Maple

Wherever it’s planted, the Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree is sure to stop visitors in their tracks and reward you with years of beauty. Browse our collection of unique ornamental trees for more inspiration, including subtle alternatives like Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' and hardy natives such as Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum). Add a Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree to your garden and enjoy the spectacular display season after season.

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.