Acer palmatum: Diva of all garden plants
Acers can be planted in the fall and winter months and prefer a sunny location where they are protected from strong winds.
Table of contents
How to plant an acer palmatum?
Water your plant well before planting. Whether you're planting in a border or in a pot, make sure the space for the plant is the same depth as the pot you bought it in. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole, making sure it is straight, then fill in with a good quality potting soil. Acers do best in acidic soil. Especially when planting in a pot, it is good to use a mixture of acidic potting soil.
Keep the plant well watered during the first year, especially during dry spells.
Cutting letter tip: Acers often go through a major growth spurt in early spring, so give them extra nutrition at that time to support their growth.
Pruning
The ideal time to prune is during the dormant season between December and February. That way you avoid weakening your plant, as Acers are prone to bleeding. Give your Acers a light pruning to remove damaged or dead shoots.
Cutting letter tip: Timing is important when it comes to pruning your Acer. If you look at the plant and see the buds starting to swell, you can prune back to a strong bud to encourage growth. This usually happens in late February to early March.
Protection
Acer palmatum varieties are fully hardy in all climates in the UK. In very strong winds, some varieties may suffer from leaf burn. Therefore, try to place them in a reasonably sheltered place.
Plant ideas
Acer palmatum varieties are fantastic specimens for the lawn, simply planted in a good and relatively sheltered spot in your lawn.
If you place them in your borders, try combining them with shade-loving plants such as Hostas, Heucheras and Heucherellas.
In addition, they are also beautiful plants for pots, on a terrace in a large pot.
If you are inspired by the simplicity of Japanese gardens, Acer palmatum varieties are great for using stones, water and rocks. This can easily be done on a small scale if you don't have room for a large water area.
Acer palmatum fact!
Under the right growing conditions, certain varieties can easily live more than 100 years.
