Acer palmatum ‘Rhode Island Red’ Japanese Maple

‘Rhode Island Red’ Japanese Maple is a new, semi-dwarf selection that has been likened to a small version of ‘Bloodgood.’ Its striking red color and round form make it an eye-catching addition to a property with limited space. It was named for Rhode Island Nurseries in Middletown, RI, where it was first discovered.
‘Rhode Island Red’ grows at a slow to intermediate rate of about 6”- 9” per year, becoming 6’ × 5’ in ten years with dense branching that forms a broad, dome-shaped crown. Red flowers hang from the branches early in spring before the bright red leaves unfurl. The foliage darkens to a red-purple color in the summer, and by fall, the leaves transition to a blazing orange-red before they drop. This little tree also provides winter interest with its purple twigs and attractive branching. It is excellent as a year-round accent, a hedge or screen, in a city garden, or in a container.
It will grow in either sun or part shade and holds its color well in the heat and sun, unlike some Japanese maples that bleach and burn in the hot afternoon light. It prefers rich, slightly acidic, well-draining soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Water the tree well at planting and then weekly for a season until it becomes established and during dry spells. Container-grown trees need watering more frequently than those grown in the ground since the soil in pots will dry out more quickly. A layer of mulch is recommended to keep the soil around ‘Rhode Island Red’ moist in the warm weather and protect the roots from freezing temperatures in the winter. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Companion plants to grow nearby and around the tree must have similar cultural requirements as ‘Rhode Island Red.’ Arborvitae and small pines provide a contrasting color against the reds and purples of the Japanese maple. Rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurels, and flowering cherries look well nearby with their dark green leaves and colorful flowers in the spring. In the summer, hydrangeas can’t be beat for their large blooms and bright green leaves against the red-purple of the maple foliage. Ferns, heucheras, sedums, colorful sedges, anemones, hellebores, and iris also add color, texture, and interest planted around the bottom of the tree.
In addition to its other excellent qualities, this beautiful Japanese maple is deer and rabbit-resistant and tolerates sun, humidity, and urban pollution.