What Makes a Japanese Maple Red

Many Japanese maple trees have red leaves all year. This characteristic is due to high levels of anthocyanins in the leaves throughout the year. The higher levels of the pigment show through the chlorophyll even during spring and summer.

How do I keep my Japanese maple leaves red?

One factor to consider when you place your red Japanese maple is that they do need a little sunlight to maintain their brightest-red color. Too much shade minimizes the red shades. The leaves will not be as striking in the shade as they would be if the tree was planted in another area with more sunlight.

Do all Japanese maple trees turn red?

Some Japanese maples stay red throughout the entire season, while others turn red only during fall coloration. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) can demonstrate variability in color based on genetics and grafting.