A Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a truly striking plant, that is a fabulous addition to any garden – especially when the leaves turn their vibrant colours in the autumn months.
If you have been wondering how to grow Japanese maples, you are far from alone – so we thought we would take you through everything so you can grow these gorgeous trees for yourself.
How To Grow Japanese Maples
These beautiful trees are actually super easy to grow, and they really don’t take too much maintenance once they are established.
- First, decide if you are going to grow in a pot or directly into the soil, and choose the right position for your new addition.
- It is best to plant in the autumn or the spring, so that the plant can become established before the growing season starts fully.
- They will love a generous sized planting hole, with some acidic soil mixed with well-rotted organic matter for the nutrients.
- If you are planting in the spring, you can also add some slow-release fertiliser to give it an extra boost.
- They will need to have well-draining soil that can be kept moist – they won’t like sitting around in pools of water, but they do need that moisture in the soil.
- Japanese maples need a sheltered spot that is out of the prevailing winds. Most will tolerate either full sun or shade, but dappled or partial shade is the best.
- These are shallow-rooted plants, so avoid planting anything with deep or invasive roots too nearby, if you are planting outside.
- For pot-grown Japanese maples, repot every 2-3 years to allow the roots space and to allow for the plant getting bigger.
- In cooler areas, you may wish to wrap the roots (or the pot) in fleece or bubble wrap, to protect it from the frosts.
- Your Japanese maple won’t require much pruning; just give it a little trim back in the autumn if you want to maintain its shape.
For all the information you might need, check out this article.
Are Acers Better In Pots Or In The Ground?
These easygoing trees are actually pretty happy in either medium, being ideally suited to smaller gardens or pots.
Because they are slow growing, planting them in a large pot is actually a great way to grow them – you won’t have to repot too often, and they can handle a smaller growing space.
Keeping acers in pots is also a good way to enjoy their beautiful foliage as the weather turns colder.
Make sure you keep your pot well watered, especially in the hot summer months, as the tree won’t have access to as much moisture as if it was in the ground.
It is also worth adding a little slow-release fertiliser to the soil, as the roots won’t be able to reach out as far and take it from the soil.
Whether you go for a potted Japanese maple garden or you want to plant them directly outside, you can be sure that this easygoing tree will become a well-loved member of your jungle.
How Long Does A Japanese Maple Take To Grow?
Unlike some small trees, Japanese maples actually grow very slowly, meaning that it will be hard to determine the final size of your tree.
When you first buy one from a garden centre or nursery, be sure to ask for the mature height details, as this will determine whether it is suitable for your space.
The plants will grow the fastest when they are young, like children! After a few years, growth rate should slow down and you will get a better idea of the final size.
They will generally only grow about 1-2 feet per year, as long as they are kept in their ideal conditions and cared for.
If you want to curb the growth, you can always prune and trim your Japanese maple, to prevent it from growing too large.
What Is The Difference Between Acer And Japanese Maple Tree?
This is a bit of a trick question… An Acer is a name for a genus of trees into which Japanese maple fits – but they are not actually the same species even though they are in the same family!
Acer and Maple are pretty interchangeable as names – they are just about the same species, although there are over 100 different types of them.
The Japanese maple tree is known for its stunning foliage, and bark that peels off easily. The leaves are generally palm leaf shaped, and the colours vary between the seasons.
Acers are incredibly similar, though their bark does not generally peel. They share the same striking foliage in a variety of different colours, becoming even more vibrant in the autumn.
Whichever one of these trees you choose, you will be safe in the knowledge that the growing conditions are very similar, and that either will look amazing in your garden!
This video will show you just about everything you need to know about growing this species:
Do Japanese Maples Have Invasive Roots?
Japanese maples are not considered to have invasive root systems, making them ideal for planting in smaller spaces.
The roots of a Japanese maple are fairly shallow, and they won’t spread out too much, which is great for those with limited growing space.
If you were to dig up the roots of your Japanese maple, for example if you are repotting it or moving it, you would be surprised to see how small the root system is!
This means that you can get away with planting this tree fairly close to your house, safe in the knowledge that it won’t disrupt your foundations.
It’s also useful in repotting these tress – it won’t cause them as much disruption as a tree with a large root system and a strong tap root.
Final Words
If you are looking for something beautiful, easy to grow and maintain, and a great addition to your garden, look no further than a Japanese maple.
This lovely plant will add a real pop of colour to your borders, and it will surprise you by how low maintenance it is. You heard it here first, enjoy!
