Stately shapes and foliage colour from Japanese maples
Most commonly known as Japanese maple, Acer palmatum is a striking plant that adds vibrant colour and year-round interest to the garden – here’s how to plant an Acer tree.
These slow-growing deciduous trees are renowned for vivid bursts of autumn colour. But they are just as eye-catching during the spring and summer months when they bloom. Acer trees have a graceful habit, are genuinely low maintenance, and make a striking garden focal point. Get your Acer plants at Gardeners Dream.
Is an Acer tree better in a pot or in the ground?
Because they don’t grow too quickly, Acer trees are well-suited to planting in pots and containers. They can create a striking focal point in patios and smaller gardens. While your Japanese maple is likely to thrive in a pot, container-grown trees do require a little more maintenance.
Acer trees planted in pots will need to be watered regularly, particularly during dry weather. Potted maple trees need extra protection to survive the cold winter months. They need insulation, such as horticultural fleece or bubble wrap, to help protect roots from harsh temperatures. Placing the container on pot feet will help excess water disperse through the drainage holes and keep the soil away from frosty pavements.
On the other hand, garden-planted Acer trees can absorb moisture from the ground more freely and need watering much less often. The root ball will also be more heavily protected against frost and chilly temperatures when placed in the ground.
Whether you choose to plant your Japanese maple in a pot or the ground is really down to personal preference and the layout of your outdoor space. If you don’t mind offering the plant some extra TLC, it will flourish in a pot and provide height and interest to any paved or patio areas.
Choosing a spot for Japanese maple trees
One of the main things to consider when choosing between planting an Acer in a pot or the ground is the tree’s location. Acer trees need a sheltered spot out of strong winds. A Japanese maple will tolerate full sun but prefers to be in partial shade.
When can I plant my Acer tree in the ground?
Because they are such slow growers, starting Japanese maples from seed can be a long and tedious journey. For this reason, it’s best to buy young trees that can be planted straight into the ground and create an immediate impact.
Plant Acer trees in the ground between October and March – late autumn and early spring are the best times. This is because the temperature is still cool, but the ground isn’t as likely to be frozen. After all, it’s much easier to dig a hole for your new tree in soft, moist soil. Planting at this time of year will help the plant establish quickly, with noticeable growth the following season.
What kind of soil is best for an Acer tree?
Acer trees will flourish in most soils, whether clay, loam, sand or chalk. But whatever type is prominent in your garden, ensure the tree is in moist but well-drained soil. Japanese maples do best when there is plenty of organic matter in the soil, so you may wish to add some compost or soil conditioner before planting.
A step-by-step guide to planting Japanese maples in the ground
- Choose your spot. As well as where the Acer will look best, consider factors such as soil type and exposure to the elements.
- Dig the hole.
- Ensure it’s big enough to accommodate the roots comfortably before watering thoroughly.
- Remove the Acer from its container. Hold the base of the trunk and gently free the root system. Check the roots are damp and water them if not.
- Place the tree in the hole. Check it is straight, upright, and exactly where you want it to be.
- Carefully fill in with soil. Acers prefer their roots to be shallow, so ensure there is only around 2-3cm of soil on top.
- Water the plant in then mulch it with well-rotted organic matter.
Japanese maple tree care tips and advice
Japanese maples are relatively simple to care for and don’t need much attention, especially when planted out in the garden. However, there are some hints to follow that can help your Acer plant flourish.
Watering
Acers can require frequent watering in their first year. This is particularly true for trees planted towards the end of spring. Ensure your new tree has plenty of moisture to absorb by watering routinely during dry spells. Once your tree is established, it won’t need watering quite as often.
Pruning
Pruning isn’t a large job with Japanese maples. They are slow-growing plants that tend to do well left to their own devices and have a naturally appealing shape. However, a little routine pruning is required now and again to maintain the tree’s shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best completed when the plant is fully dormant (from November to January).
Mulching
Mulching with chipped bark or well-rotted garden compost will help retain moisture in the ground. It also helps suppress weeds and protects the roots against damage from frost. Annual mulching in autumn is fine, but you may wish to repeat the process in spring to give the tree an extra boost. Do your best to keep the mulching material away from the plant’s trunk to prevent rotting.
Planting companions
While Japanese maples make excellent focal points when planted on their own, they can look even more striking with companion plants. Acers tend to be polite and work well alongside many other plants, creating attractive combinations for a distinct display.
Ferns
Plant Acers next to Ferns for a display of beautiful foliage. Ferns thrive in the same conditions as Acers, so make the perfect companion plant. Choose an evergreen variety of fern, such as hart’s tongue, for year-round interest and colour.
Hostas
Hostas love the shade, so are a great choice of plant for underneath your Japanese Maple tree. Their bold foliage complements that of the Acer, and, like Japanese Maples, leaf colour is varied and interesting.
Daffodils
Daffodils are the perfect way to create a carpet of colour while the Acer is still in its dormant phase. Blooming early in the season, daffodils herald the start of spring and the new growing season. They work well planted underneath Acer trees, particularly in borders.
Rhododendrons
Boasting striking flowers and rich green leaves, Rhododendrons are a beautiful addition to any garden. They flourish in dappled shade, which can be provided through the foliage of Japanese Acers, and do well in pots, making them perfect partners for the patio.
If you’re looking for a striking garden plant with an elegant shape, a graceful habit and vivid autumn colour, an Acer tree might be perfect for you. They are easy to plant in the ground and simple to look after, with minimal attention required to enjoy a blast of golden orange, rich green, playful pink, blazing red or sumptuous purple in your outdoor space.
–Sponsored post by Gardeners Dream–
