Types of Monrovia Japanese Red Maple Tree

Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) are generally characterized by delicate, deeply-lobed leaves that emerge red in spring, change to green or bronze in summer, and provide a range of color in fall. Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8, most grow best in part shade to less than 20 feet. Monrovia offers 24 different varieties of Japanese red maple, but gardeners and landscape designers have their favorites. Headquartered in Azusa, California, Monrovia grows trees, shrubs and flowers in four states, including Oregon, Georgia, North Carolina and California.

Red-leaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum "Atropurpureum")

The spring leaves of a Red Leaf Japanese maple emerge purple and become bronze or light green through the summer. The fall foliage is a brilliant red. Moderate growers with rounded habits, Red Leaf Japanese maples will reach a eventual height of 18 feet.

Bloodgood (Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum "Bloodgood")

Bloodgood is an old reliable variety loved by gardeners for its narrow, upright growth habit and deep red hues. Its bark appears nearly black. Bloodgood leaves maintain a red color well into summer, fading to scarlet in fall. The vigorous grower will reach 15 feet.

Burgundy Lace (Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum "Burgundy Lace")

As the name suggests, the Burgundy Lace Japanese maple is a fine specimen tree, prized for deeply-lobed purplish leaves. It sports green branches and a rounded, moderate growing habit to 10 feet high and wide.

Coral Bark (Acer palmatum "Sangokatu")

Striking red winter bark is the signature feature of the Coral Bark Japanese maple. Small, soft leaves are bright green in summer, changing to yellow in fall. Coral Bark grows upright and vigorously, eventually to 20 feet.

Ever Red (Acer palmatum var. dissectum "Ever Red")

Featuring a small, weeping growth habit, Ever Red is a favorite container tree suitable for decks and patios. The lacy leaves emerge purple-red in spring, fade to all red in summer, and turn crimson in fall. Ever Red grows moderately, spreading to 10 feet.

Crimson Queen (Acer palmatum var. dissectum "Crimson Queen")

Perhaps the most poplar of the lace leaf Japanese maples, Crimson Queen is also a weeping tree, similar in habit and size to Ever Red. It's leaves remain red through spring and summer, but change to a scarlet hue before dropping in fall.

Red Dragon (Acer palmatum var. dissectum "Red Dragon")

A very slow grower, Red Dragon is a new tree available from Monrovia, reaching just 5 feet in height and spread. It does best in shady areas, featuring purple, lacy leaves that become bright red in fall. It is an ideal container specimen tree.