Acer palmatum var. dissectum atropurpureum 'Red Dragon'
Red Dragon Cutleaf Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum var. dissectum atropurpureum ′Red Dragon′ - Winter Habit

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) 74

Genus:

Acer (Maple, Boxelder) 72

Plant Type:

Tree 581

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 236

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 807

Foliage:

Red (Bright scarlet new leaves become a dark burgandy during the summer and change to a flaming scarlet in the fall)

Ultimate Height:

6-8 feet

Ultimate Spread:

6-8 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil:

Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils with high organic matter

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

The leaves of this variety have a feathery appearance and are 3.15-3.5" long and about 3.5-4.3" in width, with 7 defined lobes that go as deep as the leaf base. These lobes, with the sublobes are up to .8" wide. The margins are sharply pointed, having hooked double teeth, and are coarse. Leaves are located on purple petioles that are 0.8-1.2" long.

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

'Red Dragon' was cultivated at a nursery in New Zealand and is leaf scorch resistant. This cascading, dwarf mound is considered to be one of the best variants for holding its color throughout the seasons in both sun and shade. However, it is important to keep this plant in a protected area that shields it from both summer drought and cold winds.