Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' is a popular Japanese maple, widely grown for its deep, richly coloured foliage.

Characteristics
The palmate leaves have five to seven deeply cut lobes and a dark purple-red colour held right through summer, turning scarlet in autumn. The habit is compact and rounded, opening out slightly with age, reaching about 4-6 m in height and width, so it suits smaller gardens too. Small red-brown flowers appear in spring, followed by winged samaras that ripen in autumn and can persist on the tree.

Growing and care
Well drained, fertile, slightly acid soil, avoiding compaction and waterlogging. It thrives in partial shade with a few hours of morning or afternoon sun; too much midday sun can scorch the leaves. Water regularly in dry spells, especially in the first years. Prune in autumn or winter, while dormant, to remove damaged branches or to shape it, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and generally healthy, though aphids or fungal problems can appear where air circulation is poor.

Uses
A focal point in Japanese and rock gardens and in formal or informal schemes, and an excellent container plant for terraces and balconies.