Acer laevigatum ‘Hong Long’ Evergreen Chinese Maple

Acer laevigatum 'Hong Long' is a semi-evergreen Chinese maple with deep maroon new growth that transitions through reddish tones to glossy green, complemented by distinctive purple-red stems and a striking metallic blue-gray cast on mature foliage. Young trees display near-black to dark purple bark that ages to deep gray. This vigorous small tree reaches 14-16 inches of growth annually and matures to approximately 20-30 feet, performing best in dappled shade or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat, particularly in zones 7-9. Wild-collected and introduced through the NC State JC Raulston Arboretum, the cultivar name 'Hong Long' translates as "red dragon" and celebrates the unusual combination of traits, elongated, translucent leaves unlike typical maples, robust bark interest, and foliage that provides year-round color contrast, that makes this understory species an exceptional addition to Asian gardens.