Red Dragon Japanese maples, scientifically known as Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Red Dragon’, are a species of ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs that can reach heights of up to 15 feet. They grow in an upright, spreading form and typically have a spread of 8 to 15 feet.
This species of Japanese maple is known for its deep red foliage and its delicate foliage. The leaves are deeply divided and create a lacy and graceful silhouette. Red Dragon Japanese maples are very easy to care for – they do best in areas with part shade and prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
These trees tend to be tolerant of drought and have low sensitivity to insects, diseases, and damage from severe weather conditions. With the right care, the Red Dragon Japanese maple can provide years of beauty and interest for your garden or landscape.
What is the smallest Japanese maple tree?
The smallest Japanese maple tree is the Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamuke yatsubusa’. This tree is also known as the ‘Crimson Queen’ dwarf maple and grows to an average maximum height of only 2-3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
It is an ideal choice for those with a small garden or limited space who want to enjoy the beauty of a Japanese maple. The lacy, deeply cut leaflets turn a stunning array of colors throughout the year, varying from olive green to yellow, orange, and crimson red.
Tamuke yatsubusa looks beautiful planted alone or in groups, as a low hedge, or grown in containers. Its smaller size also makes it very popular for bonsai. This tree likes full sun to part shade, and does best when planted in well-drained soil.
How long does it take an Acer to grow?
The time it takes for an Acer (commonly known as a maple tree) to grow depends on a few different factors. These include the species of Acer, the soil quality and climate, and the specific conditions the tree is planted in.
Generally, most Acer species will start to produce foliage within 2-3 growing seasons. After that, the tree can grow up to 24 inches a year. Depending on the climate, Acers can take anywhere between 15-30 years to reach their full potential size.
However, in ideal conditions, it is not unheard of for certain Acers to have a life expectancy of several centuries.
What are the worst trees to plant?
Of all the trees you could plant, there is no one “worst” tree in terms of its growth or ability to thrive. Different trees thrive better in different situations, and certain trees may not be a good fit depending on what type of landscape you are wanting to create.
That being said, some trees have qualities which make them more difficult to maintain than others. Some of the trees which could be considered the “worst” to plant are as follows:
Birch: Birches are generally short-lived and can be difficult to maintain because of their susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Magnolia: This tree is not suited for small and urban gardens because of its large root structure and long-lasting dead flower and seed pods.
Cottonwood: Although an attractive large tree, Cottonwood’s are very messy. The seeds and the cotton are both prolific and often a nuisance in urban areas.
Willow: This tree is susceptible to fungus and other diseases and can become quite large if left unpruned.
Pine: Pine trees are generally considered the worst when it comes to trees to plant, especially in urban areas. The needles can present a fire hazard as well as being messy and inviting unwanted pests.
Each tree has its own unique traits and qualities, and careful consideration should be taken when selecting which species to add to your landscape. When in doubt, speaking to a certified arborist who is familiar with the region is often a good idea.
How much do Japanese maples grow per year?
On average, Japanese maples can grow between 1 and 2 feet per year depending on the environment and the specific variety of Japanese maple. When grown in optimum conditions, some varieties can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Japanese maples can grow in a wide range of soil and moisture conditions, though they typically prefer moist, well-drained soil. Japanese maples like full sun to partial shade, but too much direct sunlight can lead to scorching of foliage.
They also thrive in cooler climates and do not tolerate frost. Pruning and training are usually necessary to maintain an attractive form and size. To help promote healthy growth and improve its structure, Japanese maples should be pruned each year to remove excess or dead branches.
How do you keep a Japanese maple small?
Keeping a Japanese maple small is possible with proper pruning throughout the year. Prune your tree in late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins. This will help shape the tree and keep it from becoming too large.
Avoid pruning late in the season as this can encourage new growth that will not have enough time to mature. When pruning, focus on maintaining the height and shape of the tree and removing any overly vigorous shoots.
Be sure to prune selectively, aiming to maintain the tree’s natural shape. Avoid shearing or visualizing the branches and leaves, as this can make your Japanese maple look unnatural. If you need to reduce the size of the tree significantly, you may need to move to more serious pruning techniques such as crown reduction, or removing large branches to reduce the overall size of the tree.
Once you reach the desired size, a maintenance pruning schedule will help keep your Japanese maple small.
When should a Japanese maple be pruned?
When pruning a Japanese maple, you should wait until the end of winter and beginning of spring, when it is dormant and the leaves have dropped. Pruning in midsummer will stress the tree, as it is actively growing, and can lead to disease and poor growth.
During the dormant period, the pruning is done to shape the tree and to control its size. However, if you need to remove dead and diseased branches, you should do it any time of the year. When pruning a Japanese maple, it is important to remember that it is a slow-growing tree, so don’t cut too much at once.
While pruning, always make sure to use clean, sharp tools and to disinfect the blades between cuts in order to prevent the spread of disease.
How do you take care of a red dragon maple?
Taking care of a red dragon maple is relatively easy once you understand the needs of the tree. Red dragon maple trees prefer full sun, so position the tree in direct sunlight to get the best leaf color.
They require moist, but well-drained soil to prevent root rot and regular irrigation during the growing season. Proper feeding with an organic fertilizer is also recommended. The tree responds well to pruning and should be done in the winter, as the tree is dormant.
Finally, mulch around the tree should be kept to a minimum, as it can suffocate the tree’s roots. With regular care and attention, your red dragon maple will reward you with beautiful foliage and vibrant colors year-round.
How do you prune a red maple tree?
When pruning a red maple tree, it is important to prune with attention and care. Here are the steps to prune a red maple tree:
1. Determine the desired shape of the tree: The size and shape of the tree after it is pruned will depend on personal preference and the purpose for which the tree is intended. Consider how big you want the tree to be, or whether you want to train it as a shrub or a tree, and then proceed accordingly.
2. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches: Carefully remove any branches that are visibly dead, diseased, or damaged by storms or diseases. These dead branches can affect the health of the rest of the tree and should be removed first.
3. Prune back vigorous branches: Branches that are growing too quickly and out of balance should be pruned back. Pruning should take place in increments and it is best to not take off more than 25%. Pruning should never remove more than 1/3 of the tree’s live branches.
4. Prune out branches that pass over and crowd other branches: Prune branches, especially those crossing and shading other branches. This will help increase airflow and light penetration and decrease the risk of disease.
5. Thin out branches that are weak: Remove weak and thin branches to promote healthy growth. This will also help to encourage more balanced growth.
6. Follow the natural shape of the tree: Prune the tree to its natural shape so that it looks aesthetically pleasing.
7. Begin with the tallest branches: Start pruning from the top and work your way down.
Following these steps should help you prune your Red Maple tree with success, allowing it to grow healthy and beautiful.
Which dwarf Japanese maple is best?
Finding the best dwarf Japanese maple depends on your purpose for planting it, as the variety you choose will determine how large or small the tree will be. If you are looking for a small tree to use in a bonsai garden, Kiyohime Japanese Maple would be an ideal choice.
This dwarf reaches a maximum height of 3’ and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8.
If you are looking for something that won’t take up much space but will still offer versatility, you can’t go wrong with Dappled Japanese Maple. This dwarf reaches a maximum height of 8’ and is suitable for hardiness zones 6 to 8.
It is an attractive tree with variegated foliage and produces stunning red and yellow foliage in the fall.
Pixie Japanese Maple is another great choice if you are looking for a dwarf tree. This tree has a maximum height of 4’ and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. The bright green foliage turns a spectacular bright red in the autumn.
The tree is extremely hardy and tolerant of most soil types.
Ultimately, if you have limited space, you can consider a dwarf Japanese maple. Each variety offers something slightly different and ultimately, you should choose a variety that will best suit your needs.
Can you keep a red maple tree small?
Yes, you can keep a red maple tree small by employing specific pruning techniques. Red maples grow quickly and can become quite large over time. However, if you prune the tree each year in late winter or early spring, you can control its size and shape.
Pruning should be done with sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid tearing or jagging the branches. In particular, you should prune back to lateral branches that are smaller in diameter than the main stem.
This will encourage the tree to grow wider rather than taller. In addition, removing branches growing in awkward or inconvenient directions will further help to manage the size of the tree. Finally, fertilizing on a yearly basis is recommended to promote healthy foliage and help manage excessive growth.
What maple trees stay small?
Several maple tree varieties are specifically bred or groomed to grow as small trees rather than full-sized trees. About a dozen such varieties of maple trees stay small for a lifetime, becoming no more than 15 to 20 feet in height and width, making them ideal for use in small yards and even container gardens.
Some of these include the Autumn Blaze Maple, Meyer’s Dwarf Red Maple, the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, and the Fire Dragon Japanese Maple. These trees have leaves in various shapes, including the more classic star-shaped leaves as well as laceleaf varieties, with some having more colorful foliage than others.
All these varieties of small maples require sun exposure to thrive and do best in fertile, well-draining soil. They can also be subject to aphid races, which may have to be treated with a horticultural oil or soap spray.
While they are very durable trees, they are also susceptible to the cold, particularly if in a location where the trees will be hit by freezing winds. To stay healthy, small maple trees should be protected if you live in a very cold and/or windy climate.
What are the smallest Acers?
The smallest Acer laptops are the Aspire One, Aspire 3, and Acer Swift 1 models. The Aspire One is the smallest in the group, measuring 11.5″ x 8″ x 0.9″ and weighing 2.4 lbs. It features an Intel Atom Z370 processor, up to 4GB of RAM, and Intel HD graphics.
The Aspire 3 is slightly larger, measuring 11.6″ x 8.2″ x 0.7″ and weighing 2.6 lbs. This model also has an Intel Atom processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and Intel HD graphics. Lastly, the Acer Swift 1 is the largest of the bunch, measuring 13.6″ x 9.
1″ x 0.7″ and weighing 3.2 lbs. It has an Intel Pentium processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and Intel HD graphics.
