Acer Bloodgood, also known as the Bloodgood Japanese maple, is a beautiful and popular tree that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. One of the first things to consider when planting a Bloodgood Japanese maple is the amount of sunlight it requires.
Ideally, these trees prefer to grow in partial shade, which means they need about four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. This can be achieved by planting them in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or by providing some form of light shade during the hottest part of the day.
That being said, Bloodgood Japanese maples can also tolerate and even thrive in full sun conditions, which means they need six hours or more of direct sunlight per day. In fact, in my personal experience, I have seen Bloodgood Japanese maples grow beautifully in full sun locations. However, it is important to note that excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and may result in less vibrant foliage colors.
Shade is known to enhance the foliage colors of Bloodgood Japanese maples, making them appear more robust and vivid. The leaves of this tree can range from deep red to purple, and the shade helps to intensify these colors. Therefore, if you are looking to showcase the tree’s stunning foliage, planting it in a shadier spot would be a wise choice.
To summarize, while Bloodgood Japanese maples can tolerate both full sun and partial shade conditions, they will generally thrive and exhibit more vibrant foliage colors when planted in a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day. However, if you have a sunny garden and can provide adequate care and maintenance, these trees can still be successfully grown in full sun. Ultimately, it is important to consider the specific conditions of your garden and the desired outcome when deciding where to plant your Bloodgood Japanese maple.
