ACER PALMATUM BLOODGOOD

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', commonly known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a stunning deciduous tree known for its deep red to purple foliage that turns bright crimson in the fall. This tree is prized for its striking color and elegant form, making it a popular choice for gardens, landscapes, and as a specimen tree. To ensure its optimal health and growth, here are comprehensive care details organized under three main headings: planting, watering and feeding, and pruning and maintenance.

Planting

• Site Selection:

  • Choose a location with partial shade to full sun. Bloodgood Japanese Maple thrives best in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much sun can cause leaf scorch.
  • Ensure the site has good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases but is sheltered from strong, drying winds.

• Soil Preparation:

  • Plant in well-draining soil. Acer palmatum prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
  • Amend heavy clay soils with compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and soil structure. Sandy soils can benefit from added organic matter to enhance moisture retention.

• Planting Process:

  • Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the depth. This allows the roots to spread easily and ensures the root flare is above ground level to prevent rot.
  • Mix the excavated soil with compost or other organic matter to enrich it.
  • Place the Bloodgood Japanese Maple in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
  • Backfill with the soil mixture, firming gently to eliminate air pockets.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.

Watering and Feeding

• Watering:

  • Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, water deeply once a week to establish a strong root system.
  • Once established, Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • Water deeply, ensuring that water reaches the root zone. Shallow watering can lead to weak root growth.

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges. This helps promote healthy foliage and robust growth.
  • Use an organic fertilizer or one specifically designed for Japanese maples to provide the necessary nutrients without over-fertilizing.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to lush, green growth at the expense of the plant's natural coloration.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain the plant’s shape and size.
  • Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as needed to keep the plant healthy and prevent the spread of disease.
  • For aesthetic purposes, prune lightly to enhance the tree’s natural shape and structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree.
  • Thin out dense areas to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

• Pest and Disease Control:

  • Monitor regularly for common pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for infestations.
  • Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot by ensuring good air circulation and proper watering practices. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
  • Remove any affected foliage promptly and dispose of it to prevent the spread of disease.

Winter Protection

• Winter Care:
  • Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. In colder regions, it may benefit from a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • If grown in containers, consider moving the plant to a sheltered location during the coldest months to prevent root damage from freezing.
  • Monitor for winter desiccation in exposed sites and provide protection from harsh winds if necessary.

Summary

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a captivating and elegant deciduous tree that enhances garden aesthetics with its deep red to purple foliage and graceful form. By selecting an appropriate planting site, ensuring regular watering and feeding, and practicing careful pruning and maintenance, you can enjoy the stunning beauty and seasonal interest of this plant. With proper care, Bloodgood Japanese Maple will thrive, providing a vivid display of color and elegance in your garden space

This Japanese maple has deeply cut lobed, dark red-purple leaves, turning bright red in autumn. Pendant clusters of tiny purple-red flowers are followed by red-winged seeds in late Summer. Acer palmatum Bloodgood is a reliable and popular variety. Requires a sheltered site.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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