The Ultimate Guide to 11 Stunning Red Japanese Maples for Your Garden

Are you looking to add a pop of color to your garden? Red Japanese maples are the perfect choice! Not only are they beautiful, but they also add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space. In this in-depth guide, we will explore 11 of the best red Japanese maples that are sure to make a statement in your garden.

Let’s get started!

What Makes Red Japanese Maples Stand Out?

All Japanese maples are stunning, but it’s the red ones that truly catch the eye. Their scarlet leaves act like little flags, demanding attention and adding a vibrant burst of color to any landscape. Whether you are looking for disease resistance, vibrant color, or a unique shape, the red Japanese maples in this guide are the cream of the crop.

Here’s a sneak peek at the varieties we will showcase:

Bloodgood
Crimson Queen
Emperor One
Fireglow
Garnet
Oregon Sunset
Pévé Starfish
Red Dragon
Red Select
Tamukeyama
Twombly’s Red Sentinel

1. Bloodgood

Let’s start our journey with ‘Bloodgood,’ a striking red Japanese maple famous for its bright scarlet leaves. With finely serrated leaves that shift from scarlet to maroon to bright red throughout the seasons, this maple is a showstopper in any garden. It grows up to 25 feet in about 30 years and is available at Nature Hills Nursery.

2. Crimson Queen

‘Crimson Queen’ reigns supreme with her stunning cut-leaf foliage in bright vermillion. With a graceful weeping growth habit, this regal maple reaches about five feet in 15 years and up to 10 feet tall and wide with patience. Purchase this beauty at Planting Tree.

3. Emperor One

Also known as ‘Red Emperor’ or ‘Emperor I,’ this majestic maple is a fan favorite. With a crimson cloak that transitions to maroon and olive green undersides, Emperor One is a standout choice. It is heat and cold tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, and available at Nature Hills Nursery.

4. Fireglow

‘Fireglow’ lives up to its name by setting your landscape ablaze with its vibrant ruby-colored leaves. Heat-tolerant and compact, this maple is a showstopper in any garden. Add a touch of fire to your garden with a tree from Maple Ridge Nursery.

5. Garnet

‘Garnet’ is a weeping ruby-colored maple that stays compact at five feet tall and wide. With deeply-lobed, heavily serrated leaves, this maple dances in the wind like jewel-like strips of lace. Find this gem at Nature Hills.

6. Oregon Sunset

‘Oregon Sunset’ offers a delightful color show reminiscent of the changing sky colors at dusk. With bright red leaves transitioning to plum purple and then to orange-red, this slow grower is perfect for containers or small garden plots. Pick up this beauty at Planting Tree.

7. Pévé Starfish

For a unique twist on traditional maples, ‘Pévé Starfish’ steals the show with its backward-cupped leaves resembling red starfish. With bright crimson foliage in spring and fall, this compact maple is a standout choice. Purchase ‘Pévé Starfish’ at Maple Ridge Nursery.

8. Red Dragon

‘Red Dragon’ is an elegant weeping maple with scarlet leaves that hold their color all summer. With a compact size and heat tolerance, this maple is a must-have for any garden. Find ‘Red Dragon’ at Planting Tree.

9. Red Select

‘Red Select’ features bold red leaves that emerge deep purple in the spring. With a gracefully arching growth habit and small size, this maple is the perfect centerpiece or accent plant. Nab ‘Red Select’ at Fast Growing Trees.

10. Tamukeyama

‘Tamukeyama’ is a classic choice that has been a favorite for over 300 years. With plum-colored leaves that transition to vibrant crimson in the fall, this maple is a vigorous grower that holds its color well. Find ‘Tamukeyama’ at Nature Hills Nursery.

11. Twombly’s Red Sentinel

‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’ is an upright and narrow maple with purplish-red leaves that brighten to vermillion in the fall. Perfect for rows or as a solo sentinel, this maple is a stunner in any landscape. Available at Maple Ridge Nursery.

In Conclusion

Red Japanese maples are a fantastic addition to any garden, adding a burst of color and elegance to your outdoor space. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, there is a red Japanese maple for every garden style. So, why wait? Head to your nearest nursery and pick up one of these stunning varieties to transform your garden into a colorful paradise.

Have you decided on your favorite red Japanese maple? Or maybe there’s one we missed that you adore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And if you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other Japanese maple guides for more tips and information on caring for these beautiful trees.

Happy gardening!