Most Japanese Maples can live in your zone so that shouldn't be an issue. Most Japanese maples do best in a location where they are shaded during the hottest hours of the day. That being said there are some that can withstand and thrive in full sun exposure. If you are looking for a red leaf colored sub-species that will do well in full sun exposure Fireglow is a good choice to consider and has about the same maximum growth size as bloodgood if I remember right. It also has a more spectacular spring color than bloodgood and holds a brighter red longer.

Also keep in mind no matter how large the maximum size the cultivar in question might be able to get, with a small and correct amount of pruning you can keep it at any size you desire. As always I would recommend looking up some online Nurseries that specialize in selling different Japanese maple cultivars to see what sort of options you have and what you might like best.

Cultivar and subspecies are two different categories. Subspecies is a botanical designation of broader application than cultivar. A cultvar can belong to a subspecies. 'Fireglow' is a cultivar.

Hi Bobbygil,
As a fellow Atlanta area resident I can tell you that Japanese Maples thrive here, and a Bloodgood is a nice choice, they are very common in Atlanta are relatively inexpensive, and show very vibrant color throughout the entire growing season. Just a side note, there are over 400 cultivars of Acer Palmatum (probably over 500 unofficially), and 7 different groups so it can get to be an overwhelming task to find the one you want, but if you like the Bloodgood I think you'll be very pleased with it, it would be a perfect fit for your criteria. Just remember where you plant it will affect the color show that it puts on (if it's red you want give it sun, if its more green, Shade is the key), and for good fall colors taper off watering in the late summer.

Thanks Mike and Acer...I think I narrowed it down to Fireglow. From what I can figure it will end up a smaller tree than the Bloodgood.Found a place that has plenty of them at what seems like a reasonable price. Looking forward to putting it in soon. Mike...any friend of Flos is good by me thanks bobby

The true 'Bloodgood' is a tall one but not so wide relative to its height as many others - more of a fountain shape than a mushroom. When a cultivar is liable to branch low and wide, as most Japanese maples do (when given full light) it having a lower height than 'Bloodgood' may not actually make it easier to fit in a space.

There is a history of selling seedlings - sometimes obvious mixed batches, including specimens that are almost green - as 'Bloodgood'. So any stock encountered under the name should be viewed with slit eyes before purchasing - or using the appearance and behavior of such as examples of the results to be gotten from plantings of 'Bloodgood'. The true item is an outstanding selection, the 'Bing' cherry of red-leaved Japanese maples. See specialist maple books etc. to find out what the true plant looks and acts like.

Hi Bobby

I agree with everthing acer_guy stated. I live in Atlanta and have 3 Fireglow's there all planted in FULL sun and are thriving! Fireglows are definately smaller than Bloodgood which is why i went with them. When viewed with the sun in the background you will know why they are called FIREGLOW...awesome.

Thanks Dre...Where did you get your Fireglows ? Or do you know of any good places around Atlanta. Any sugestions for companion shrubs or perenials for Fireglow ? Bobby

Bobby i got 2 from www.japanesemaplesandconifers.com/ which is located in metro Atlanta. The other i purchased from Home Depot. Pike nursery sells Fireglows also.

Fireglows hold their color well even in full summer sun.

Plant Fireglow between the sun and your favorite window. The light coming through the tree is outstanding.

When you say full sun does that mean all day? I would absolutely love to have one but don't know how it would hold up in the full Texas sun all summer.

Yes full sun all day long in Atlanta, GA....fireglow does just fine....i have no idea about full sun in Texas

If you're looking for a red shrub type japanese maple try Acer palmatum Rhode Island Red.It is a slow growing rounded form to 10'. Very compact and uniform growth.
john

I am planting one this weekend and will let you know how it fares in the full Texas sun.