Japanese Maple 'Royal Red'
Acer palmatum 'Royal Red'
Ornamental deciduous shrub with elegant red-purple deeply-palmate leaves. Ideal for hedges, container compositions and alpine gardens. Tolerates partial shade well and requires protection from strong winds.
Stages of growth
Calendar in the garden
How to care
Посадка в апреле-мае с закрытой корневой системой, в защищённом от ветра месте
Water every 2-3 days with 10-15 l; never let the root ball dry out
- •Prepare a 60×60×60 cm planting hole with a 10 cm drainage layer of sand and gravel
- •Fill the hole with a 2:1:1 mix of peat, leaf mold and sand
- •Shade the sapling from midday sun with light fabric
- •Do not fertilize in the first month — the planting mix holds enough nutrients
Difficulty growing
For experienced gardeners. Requires special conditions and attention.
Growing conditions
Soil preparation
Planting parameters
💡Preparation Tips
- •Dig the bed to a depth of 25-30 cm
- •Add compost or humus (5-10 kg per m²)
- •If necessary, adjust pH with lime or peat
Frequently asked questions(5)
It is a zone 5-8 plant, i.e. a risk zone for central Russia, Belarus and northern Kazakhstan. 'Royal Red' tolerates down to -25°C under cover and snow. Plant it in a wind-sheltered spot by a wall or fence and cover it for the first 5 years without fail. The reliable option is container growing with overwintering in a cellar or garage at 0…+5°C.
In late October give a deep pre-winter watering and mulch the root zone with 15-20 cm of peat or leaves. In November, once frosts settle in, set up a frame and wrap it in 2 layers of frost fleece (60 g/m²) or pack the crown with spruce boughs. Tie branches with twine against snow damage. Never use plastic film — the plant rots under it. Remove the cover gradually in April.
The most common causes are sunscorch, dry air and desiccating wind. The fine, deeply cut leaves lose moisture quickly. Move or shade the plant from midday sun, shield it from wind with a screen, water regularly and mist the crown in the morning or evening. Also check that the root ball is not drying out between waterings.
Two causes: excess nitrogen and deep shade. Overfed with nitrogen, the leaf builds chlorophyll that masks the red pigment — cut nitrogen from August and feed with potassium and phosphorus instead. In full shade 'Royal Red' also turns bronze-green: it needs 2-4 hours of gentle morning or evening sun.
Yes — in cold climates it is the safest way. Use a 60+ l container with drainage holes, put 10 cm of expanded clay on the bottom and a 2:1:1 substrate of peat, leaf mold and sand. Keep it in partial shade in summer and water every 1-2 days; in winter move it to a frost-free room at 0…+5°C and moisten the root ball occasionally. Repot every 2-3 years.
Role in the garden
Benefit information coming soon
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