Red Dragon Japanese Maple
Best compact ornamental for small gardens and container displays.
The Red Dragon Japanese Maple is a stunning deciduous tree, celebrated for its lacy, dissected foliage that emerges purple and transforms into a vibrant apple-red in the fall. This graceful small tree, reaching a mature size of 5x5 feet, is ideal as a focal point or accent in lightly shaded gardens, patios, or entryways. It's also perfectly suited for container gardening, adding a touch of elegance to smaller spaces. The Red Dragon thrives in well-drained soil and requires shelter from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates, offering moderate water needs and high deer resistance.
$399.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+273%
Above average
Genus Name
Acer
/ Acer
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking consistent, vibrant color throughout the summer season
- Small-space owners needing a compact, architectural focal point
- Busy homeowners wanting a reliable, low-maintenance landscape specimen
Who should skip it
- Residents in regions with intense, unrelenting afternoon sun
- Gardeners working with heavy, poorly draining clay soil
- Impatient landscapers wanting immediate, large-scale garden impact
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Lacy, dissected foliage provides unmatched texture and dramatic color shifts.
Container Versatility
Compact growth habit makes it a perfect candidate for patio pots.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun exposure.
Deer Resistance
High natural resistance keeps browsing wildlife from damaging the delicate leaves.
Spatial Adaptability
Small mature footprint fits seamlessly into tight urban or garden spaces.
Seasonal Interest
Dynamic transition from deep purple to brilliant apple-red sustains year-round appeal.
Key Specs
Genus Name
Acer
Botanical Name
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Red Dragon'
Mature Height
5.0 feet
Mature Spread
5.0 feet
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Tree Species
Maple
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 5
Light Needs
Filtered sun, Full sun, Partial sun
Features
- Lacy, dissected purple foliage
- Vibrant apple-red fall color
- Ideal specimen or accent plant
- Suitable for container gardening
- High deer resistance
- Graceful small tree form
- Versatile light requirements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Red Dragon Japanese Maple upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note the plant's robust health, excellent packaging, and immediate vigor, suggesting high reliability. The striking, deeply lobed foliage and intense burgundy color are major design highlights, often exceeding expectations for aesthetic appeal in the landscape. While the price is premium, the perceived quality justifies the investment for most buyers seeking a reliable, showstopping specimen tree.
Know before you buy
This tree maintains a compact, graceful form, reaching a mature height and spread of approximately 5 feet. Its small stature makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces, entryways, or large containers.
The Red Dragon is versatile and can handle a range of light conditions from filtered to full sun. However, if you live in a warmer climate, it is best to provide shelter from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Yes, it is perfectly suited for container gardening. Ensure you use a high-quality, well-drained potting mix and a container with adequate drainage holes to keep the root system healthy.
This variety is noted for high deer resistance, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is significantly less appealing to them than many other garden shrubs and trees.
It thrives in well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas that remain soggy or waterlogged, as Japanese Maples are sensitive to root rot.
Yes, the lacy, dissected foliage emerges a deep purple in the spring and summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves transition into a vibrant, brilliant apple-red.
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Ready to buy?
$400