Most people use them asspecimen trees, although they are alsoused in bonsai.
They bloom in spring, and this is when the red in their foliage is often at its brightest.
It requires dappled shade and well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Read on for our care guide.
In fact, in hot climates, a somewhat shady location can help preventleaf scorch.
The leaves tend to develop some green in them in summer if exposed to full sun.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk of the tree.
Re-mulch every year at around the same time.
Established trees only need water when the weather has been hot and dry for an extended stretch.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
If the soil gets too saturated, it can cause root rot.
In spring, before leaves emerge, add a small amount of organic slow-release fertilizer to the soil.
Then fertilize the tree annually, around the same time you add the mulch (early summer).
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Pruning
You canpruneyoung plants to encourage a particular branching pattern.
It is, therefore, recommended to purchase a young tree instead of attempting to propagate it yourself.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
These trees are relatively immune to diseases and pests.
Joe Daniel Price / Getty Images
Root rot and Verticillium wilt can strike if the tree is grown in wet, cold soil.
Allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions is a good way to prevent these diseases.
Adding a layer of mulch shields the roots from the winter cold and ensures that the roots retain moisture.
If growing a small, bonsai form of the tree, move it indoors during the cooler months.
This could be iron, potassium, nitrogen, or sulfur.
Curling Leaves
If you notice your tree’s leaves starting to curl, check the soil.
Conversely, if the soil feels too dry, you may be underwatering.
Both can cause leaf curl.
Restore the right balance of water to remedy.
It grows moderately slow, about 1 to 2 feet per year.
