Japanese Maple ' Hefner's Red ' Grafted

There are red maples that blush briefly in spring and then fade into summer green. ‘Hefner’s Red’ was selected because it refuses to do that. It keeps its color — not neon, not garish, but a steady deep red that holds through heat better than most upright Japanese maples.

New leaves emerge clear crimson in spring, thin enough to glow when sunlight passes through them. By summer the foliage settles into rich burgundy-maroon, remaining noticeably red even in warm climates where many varieties bronze or wash out. Autumn deepens the display again into scarlet tones before leaf drop.

The tree grows upright with a rounded canopy, neither narrow nor sprawling. It becomes a true small landscape tree — large enough to anchor a planting bed or front yard, yet still suited to residential lots and courtyards.

Mature Size
12–15 ft. tall
10–12 ft. wide

Growth Rate
Moderate

Light Requirements
Morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates
Handles more sun than many red Japanese maples once established

Soil
Moist, well-drained soil with organic matter
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)

Watering
Regular watering during establishment
Maintain even moisture but avoid wet, poorly drained sites

Cold Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9

Landscape Uses

• Front yard specimen tree

• Accent for garden beds

• Patio and courtyard shade

• Focal planting near entryways

Minimal pruning required. Remove only dead or crossing branches in late winter. Placement matters more than shaping — the tree naturally forms a balanced canopy if given room.

Plant it where afternoon light filters through the leaves. When backlit, the foliage shows why this cultivar was kept and named: a steady red presence in a season when gardens often turn simply green.