It is a fine small tree but can also be grown in large pot on a balcony or in a courtyard. The red-leaved varieties are particularly vulnerable.Īcer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is one of the best with deep purple-red foliage, dark twigs and an upright habit. This can cause die back of branches or all of the plant when waterlogged conditions persist in winter. On the other hand maples are very intolerant of waterlogged soil. Plants will usually recover when given adequate care. Dead, brown, curled leaf tips are a sure sign of dry roots. Once established Japanese maples are tolerant of drier soil, however extreme drought will cause browning and shrivelling of the leaves from the tips. An organic fertiliser it releases nutrients slowly and contains sufficient potash to harden leaves and stems, making them more tolerant of extreme weather.Īdd a couple of handfuls to the soil when planting and a similar amount as a top dressing around established plants in spring. Vitax Acer Feed is specially formulated to provide the right nutrients for healthy growth a development and the finest foliage. If necessary provide temporary shelter.Īcers are not greedy feeders, however they do require the right nutrients when first planted and as a supplement once or twice each year. Newly planted acers are especially vulnerable to exposed conditions they have often been grown under protection and the leaves are not hardened to wind and sun. Cut-leaved varieties such as Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ are less wind tolerant than those with broader lobes. Those with small, thin leaves or variegated foliage are best in semi-shade. The red and green leaved varieties are best in an open position that gets plenty of sunshine, in shade the colour can be poor and the autumn tints disappointing. The delicate leaved acers need shelter from strong winds which can damage the leaves, particularly early in the year. For best results choose Vitax ericaceous compost with added John Innes. When growing in a pot use a mixture of ericaceous compost and John Innes no. They prefer neutral to acid conditions and dislike extremely alkaline soil and shallow chalk. Contrary to popular belief they grow on most soils that are not too dry. The Japanese maples are mostly varieties of Acer palmatum. Often thought of as delicate and difficult they are in fact easy to grow and far more robust than many believe. Beautiful silhouettes in winter, vibrant new leaves in spring, billowing summer canopies and flaming autumn tints. Few plants have the fabulous foliage, elegant form and all year appeal possessed by the Japanese maples.
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