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#6780
HONG LONG SMOOTH BARK MAPLE
Acer laevigatum
'Hong Long'
AKA: Red Dragon Evergreen Chinese Maple
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Root Pouch 5 gallon
(SKU: 20168)
0 - Available Now -
Details
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Grown in Root Pouch®.
List Price $185.00 Per Plant
Hardiness Zone: 6-10 · Mature Height: 8-10 Feet · Mature Spread: 8-10 Feet
Meet the maple that redefines drama and grace—Hong Long Smooth Bark Maple, also known as Red Dragon Evergreen Chinese Maple. Wild-collected in Taiwan by horticulturist Mark Weathington of the JC Raulston Arboretum, this striking small tree stands out with its glossy maroon-red new growth that gradually fades to lush green as the season matures. Its bark glows deep purple-red, providing color and texture that hold attention even in winter.
Unlike its deciduous cousins, Chinese keeps its foliage year-round in warmer regions, offering evergreen appeal and steady structure in the landscape. Its compact form makes it a standout choice for small gardens, courtyards, or as a conversation-starting specimen near a patio or entryway.
Chinese thrives in partial shade, away from harsh afternoon sun, and rewards thoughtful care with vigor and vibrance. This rare maple combines exotic origins, evergreen reliability, and artistic beauty—a true horticultural gem for those who crave something unique, refined, and alive with color.
Family: Sapindaceae / Aceraceae · Common Name: Maple
FREE with every plant purchased:
- The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
- A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
- Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
- Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
- Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.
We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.
HONG LONG SMOOTH BARK MAPLE Plant Characteristics
Bark Color*
| • | Gray |
Bark Type*
| • | Smooth |
Cultural Information*
| • | Leaf Scorch - Low Resistance |
| • | Leaf Spot - Moderate Resistance |
| • | Powdery Mildew - High Resistance |
| • | Root Rot - High Resistance |
Fruit Type*
| • | Seedless/No Fruit |
Growth Rate*
| • | Slow |
Leaf Type*
| • | Evergreen |
Plant Type*
| • | Tree |
Preferred Soil Conditions*
| • | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types |
| • | Average |
| • | Moist |
| • | Tolerates Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Well-Drained |
Propagation Methods*
| • | Cuttings or Divisions |
Season of Interest*
| • | Early Spring |
| • | Fall |
| • | Late Spring/Early Summer |
| • | Late Summer/Early Autumn |
| • | Spring |
| • | Summer |
Uses*
| • | Accent Plant |
| • | Landscape Specimen |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Provides Shade |
| • | Understory Planting |
| • | Wind/Dust Break |
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HONG LONG SMOOTH BARK MAPLE Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips
- Recommended Soil:
- Prefers rich, well-draining soil with good organic matter.
- Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
- Avoid heavy or waterlogged clay soils.
- Sun Exposure:
- Best in part shade—morning sun, afternoon shade ideal.
- In hotter zones, protect from direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Irrigation Needs:
- Keep evenly moist, especially during establishment.
- Water deeply but infrequently once mature.
- Increase watering during prolonged dry or hot periods.
- Feeding & Nutrients:
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Supplement with compost or organic mulch to maintain soil health.
- Avoid overfeeding, which can reduce leaf color intensity.
- Pruning & Maintenance:
- Minimal pruning needed; remove damaged or crossing branches in late winter.
- Shape lightly after the first flush of growth if desired.
- Protect from strong winds and frost pockets in cooler climates.
Interesting Notes About HONG LONG SMOOTH BARK MAPLE
- A Name with Fire: "Hong Long" translates to "Red Dragon"—a name inspired by its fiery new foliage and mythic presence in the garden.
- A Collector's Discovery: Discovered and selected by Mark Weathington, director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, from wild seed collected in Taiwan — making it a tree with real provenance.
- Evergreen Maple Marvel: Unlike most maples, Acer laevigatum can retain its leaves all winter in milder climates, offering color and structure when others go bare.
- Smooth as Silk: Known as the Smooth Maple, its bark evolves from a lustrous purple-red in youth to a refined silvery-gray with age.
- Mountain-Born Beauty: Native to the Himalayan foothills and southern China, this species thrives in humid, monsoon-like conditions—a hint at its love for moist, sheltered garden spots.
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