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Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree The Finest Weeping Lace-Leaf Maple

Among the hundreds of Japanese Maple varieties, the ‘Red Dragon’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Red Dragon’) stands apart. Its deeply dissected, lace-like leaves hold an exceptionally rich burgundy-red color from spring all the way through summer a feat most red maples can’t match. Paired with a graceful, cascading weeping form, it’s less a tree and more a living sculpture that anchors a garden with quiet drama.

What Makes Red Dragon Exceptional

• Superior Color Retention: Unlike many red Japanese Maples that fade to green in summer heat, Red Dragon holds its deep burgundy-red through the entire growing season before turning brilliant scarlet in fall.
• Elegant Weeping Form: The cascading, mounding habit creates a naturally sculptural silhouette stunning as a specimen, in a container, or draped over a garden wall or rock feature.
• Finely Dissected Foliage: The intricate lace-like leaf texture catches light beautifully and adds a delicate, refined quality unlike any other tree in the landscape.
• Four-Season Interest: Rich burgundy spring through fall, fiery scarlet in autumn, and an architectural branching structure that remains striking through winter.
• Compact & Versatile: Stays at a manageable size, making it ideal for small gardens, courtyard plantings, patio containers, or as a refined accent in larger landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives in partial shade, requires minimal pruning, and is naturally resistant to most pests and diseases.

Growing Guide

• Light: Part shade to full sun (afternoon shade appreciated in hot climates)
• Water: Regular watering; keep soil moist but well-drained
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 58
• Mature Size: 58 ft. tall 68 ft. wide (slow-growing)
• Available Sizes: 2 Gallon, 12 ft., 23 ft., 34 ft., 45 ft.

Place it where morning light filters through those lace-like leaves the burgundy goes translucent, almost glowing, and the whole garden feels like it’s holding its breath. That’s the Red Dragon effect.

Explore More Japanese Maples

• Bloodgood Japanese Maple the classic upright form with deep purple-red foliage, one of the most popular maples in American gardens
• Coral Bark Japanese Maple stunning coral-red winter bark with brilliant fall color and a graceful upright habit