Bloodgood Maple
Facts about the Bloodgood Maple
When a tree such as the bloodgood maple is hardy, slow growing and has exquisite color as well, it is no wonder that it becomes one of the most popular and sought after landscape trees. This is the tree to consider when spring, summer and fall color is needed in your landscape.
Categorized as a small tree, the bloodgood maple grows to heights of only about 15 to 20 feet. This manageable size makes this tree the ideal accent planting near entryways, porches, decks and patios. It has a strong yet slow growth rate of only about 2 or 3 feet per year. A sunny morning area with some partial shade in the afternoon offers the perfect environment for the bloodgood maple, which has a tendency to leaf-burn in extremely hot and dry conditions.
Introducing the bloodgood maple to your landscape is an easy task. Choose an area where the soil received good drainage and is slightly acidic. A hole about 3 times the size of the root ball will be needed, with the top of the root ball remaining ground level. After placing the tree into the hole, fill 2/3 full of soil, tamp firmly, water and finish filling with soil. Add a thick layer of mulch, taking care not to allow the mulch near the trunk of the bloodgood maple. Fertilizer should be applied once per year in late winter. Planting the tree in a container is equally as easy and mobile as well; enabling it to be moved from sun to shade or cold to warm.
Burgundy foliage adorns the bloodgood maple throughout the spring and summer growing seasons, making it very amenable as a complement to a wide variety of plants in a landscaped garden. The lovely dark coloration melds well with pink, yellow and white blossoms, as well as with variegated foliage. Its strong appearance makes it perfectly capable as being a stand alone accent, as well. As if it needed to, the bloodgood maple takes on an even more amazing personality as the burgundy disappears to be reincarnated as eye popping crimson in the fall season.
Late spring, usually late May to early June, clusters of flowers appear among the dark purple leaves of the bloodgood maple. Reddish or purplish blossoms lend an exotic feel to the dark leafed tree. An attractive red colored fruit, called samara, is produced by the bloodgood maple; featuring two wings, the seed can be propelled through the air at the right time to begin the propagation of new seedlings.
The decision to include a bloodgood maple tree in your landscape will be one that will be appreciated year after year, as its year long color commands visual interest. Living up to its reputation and popularity as a favorite among landscapers, the bloodgood maple will be the ultimate focal point in any garden.