How to Grow and Care for Japanese Maples (Acers)

Where to Grow?

Grow Japanese Maples in moist but ideally reasonably drained, acidic soil, in a sheltered spot out of the way of prevailing winds. Most Japanese Maples tolerate full sun or shade, but variegated and fine filigree types do best in partial shade.

Growing in Pots

When growing Japanese Maples in pots, choose a tree or shrub compost or a peat-free compost such as Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Compost. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Firm your Japanese Maple in well. Water well and, if planting at this time of the year, feed with a slow-release fertiliser such as Vitax Acer Fertiliser which will last the whole season.

Many people enjoy growing acers in pots. Re-pot potted Japanese Maples every two to three years. Follow the advice from bonsai growers, who use Japanese Maples for their art and if you need to keep the acer in the same sized pot, give the roots a small root prune by removing no more than 10% of the roots in the winter. Apply a slow-release fertiliser every spring. In cooler regions in autumn, you may need to wrap your pot in fleece to protect it from frost, however don't mollycoddle it - they are tougher than you think!

Pruning

Japanese Maples are easy to care for. They don’t require any pruning unless you want to improve their shape or need to remove dead or dying stems. Prune them in the dormant season (after they have shed their leaves) as at any other time of year the plant will bleed sap, which can be unsightly. Any winter die back should be tidied up before the plant breaks dormancy.

Don't forget to water

Water, water, water... never let your Japanese maples get dry otherwise they will be stressed which can result in withered tips, desiccated foliage and leaf drop. Ideally use rain water from a water butt.