Unique Features: The Bloodgood maple made it to the U.S. in the 1800’s and is still one of the more popular cultivars due primarily to its dramatic foliage. It has the broader form of palmate (hand-shaped) leaves, which emerge in spring with a bright scarlet color and darken to a deep burgundy in the summer. The new growth stands out against the darker mature foliage, and in fall all of the foliage turns to a brilliant scarlet. The spring flowers and the summer samaras are also shades of red. Our high-altitude sunlight, low humidity, and wind are hard on Japanese maples. They are best planted with an eastern exposure, and evergreens growing on the north and south sides would be ideal. An elevated planting, with mulch on the slopes, will help with both drainage and moisture retention. Container growing is also an option.