Japanese Maple

About this plant

Elevate your garden with the captivating beauty of the 'Rhode Island Red' Japanese Maple. Renowned for its exceptional color, this variety unfurls vibrant red leaves in spring that deepen to a rich, dark crimson throughout summer, holding their intense hue longer than many other red-leaved Japanese Maples. As autumn arrives, expect a breathtaking finale of even more incandescent reds, ensuring season-long interest. Ideal for creating a striking specimen planting, enhancing mixed borders, or cultivating in containers on patios and decks, its graceful, multi-stemmed form and delicate, deeply lobed leaves add an elegant touch. 'Rhode Island Red' develops a refined, broad-spreading habit, making it a sophisticated choice for both small and large garden designs. Hardy and relatively easy to care for, this cultivar thrives in well-drained soil and sheltered locations. Its unparalleled color intensity and refined structure make it an indispensable addition for those seeking to infuse their outdoor spaces with year-round splendor.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape as desired. Avoid heavy summer pruning, which can cause bleeding. Protect from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.