Acers, or Japanese maples are the perfect choice for any garden style or size.
I believe that there is a tree for any garden, no matter how big the plot is – or even if there’s only a small balcony space.
They have lovely colour and texture, making them the perfect focal point in a garden, brightening up a dark corner as a striking feature tree. They look elegant when draping over a path or overhanging a pool or water feature, giving a really calming effect.
Small Gardens
Japanese maples are more compact, suitable for the smallest of gardens and containers too. Their versatility means they are perfect in an oriental garden design as well as any other garden styles as there are many leaf shapes to choose from and colours too, in reds, browns, greens, oranges and purples. The foliage turns incredible rich tones in autumn, going through shades of fiery reds, oranges and gold.
The best acer varieties
Most Japanese maples are small and slow-growing, reaching heights of about 1-2m. Acer japonicum are smaller spreading trees, whilst Acer palmatum tend to be more shrub-like because they are wider than they are tall.
Colour
Once you’ve decided on the type you want, there are plenty of colour choices and leaf shapes to choose from.
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a striking purple-leaved variety, and Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ and Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ have rich red leaves.
Look out for Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’, which is a bushy variety, with golden pointy leaves with red-tinged edges in spring and autumn.
Where to grow
Acers are usually slow-growing trees, making them perfect for small gardens as they remain a manageable size. They seldom need pruning and don’t cast too much shade.
Position
Some varieties of Japanese maple can cope with full sun, especially those with green and purple leaves. Red-leaved trees need some sunlight to develop a rich colour. But hot, strong sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage of golden, variegated varieties.
Plant acers in a sheltered spot where the foliage is protected from the strongest midday sun and cold or drying winds that may damage the leaves. Young foliage can be susceptible to late frosts.
How to grow
Plant acers in well-drained soil that is moist and rich. Add plenty of compost to lock in moisture and make sure the ground doesn’t dry out.
Cover the ground with a deep mulch of compost or leaf mould. This retains moisture and prevents weeds from growing. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the tree’s stem or it may cause it to rot.
Take care
Acer trees can suffer from drying out because they have shallow root systems. This also means you should not plant too much else immediately around the tree.
Most Japanese maples should not need pruning at all. They develop into a balanced shape on their own. However, you can take out crossed branches that spoil the shape.
Acer palmatum should be pruned when fully dormant (November to March). This is because the trees can bleed sap when cut, which weakens them.
Container growing
Japanese maples will also thrive in pots. Choose a large, stable container with plenty of drainage holes. Terracotta pots should be lined with plastic to reduce water loss through the sides but remember to put drainage holes in the bottom.
The tree will only need repotting every few years, so plant in a loamy soil-based compost like John Innes No.2 or No.3. Its high nutrient content ensures there will be plenty of food for the acer. You should also add liquid feed or general purpose fertiliser in spring and autumn.
Lock in the moisture
Add a layer of pebbles or gravel over the top of the soil to lock in moisture. Water with collected rainwater where possible. You can also stand the pot in a tray and fill with water to create a reservoir during dry periods.
Container-grown acer tree roots can be susceptible to frost during harsh winters. Move pots into a more sheltered spot or wrap the pot with bubble wrap and tie with twine.
Repot the tree into a slightly larger container every few years. April or September are the best times to repot acers.
Planting companions
Acers are often planted alongside other Oriental foliage plants such as bamboo, ferns, Hostas, Japanese ilex and laurel.
They also shine alongside other trees like holly, pine and yew, as well as decorative trees like magnolias and flowering cherry and plum trees. Flowering plants like Camellia, Azalea, Wisteria, Hydrangea and Rhododendrons are all perfect partners for Japanese maples.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
Brilliant information provided about acers, i will buy some more now.
Thanks.
Hello
Can this be grown in Middle East region,p(Oman) where temperatures are high around the year?
Regards,
I’m not certain about the high temperatures, but Japanese maples can be very prone to leaf scorch in windy or excessively sunny positions, particularly those with fine-cut leaves. If you do try it, keep it in a well sheltered position.
I have just been surprised with a new planted acer palmatum from a friend. I live in middle Tennessee and it is in my front yard without any shade or surrounding plants. I am worried it will become scorched this summer. I was thinking about planting a companion tree such as a red maple next to it for help with shade but it will be a t least a couple of years before a maple will get big enough to help. (I can’t afford a mature $1000 tree). Any ideas?
Hmm,. that is tricky. It does sound vulnerable in that position. A companion tree could be a good idea, although acer roots are not fond of too much competition. You may want to consider moving the acer if you have no other options.
Hi could anyone tell me roughly how deep and spread of acer palmatum (skeeters broom) root system or point me in the durection of a website maybe? im concerned as i have a pond around 2 foot away from my acer which is lined with ldpe i had 2 small conifers which had to be removed just wondering if i will need to do the same with my acer? Thanks
Hi!
I bought an acre palmatum ‘osakazuki’ for my sons memorial tree I have followed all the instructions I was given when I bought the tree but the tree has died !
My question is…. At the root I have about 5 inches that has not died, if I cut it off here and kept looking after it, will the tree continue to grow from the root again?
Any advice would be massively appreciated
Hi Donna,
David says that you cannot be certain, but there is a good possibility that it will regrow, so it’s worth a try!
Good luck!
Hi. I have numerous Japanese maples in my garden and know all of the names, apart from one of them. This is the only one which actually looks like a tree. It is around 10ft tall (I’ve had it for 10 years). Beautiful newly emerged lime green palmate leaves which slightly darken over summer. In autumn it gives the most amazing display of colour, turning from green to yellow, orange and finally the most beautiful pink before falling. Any help with identifying this would be greatly appreciated as I rescued it from my dad’s garden after he passed away. Oh and it does have tiny little flowers which look like miniscule dark red berries on small red stalks if you dont look closely enough to see the tiny flower. Does that helps? Thanks in advance.
Hi Joanne,
I can try my best to identify this Japanese maple for you. Do you have a picture of it in flower?
Thanks!
This is a great article. Having two japonicum they never did well until I relocated them to a more wind sheltered area, coincidentally beside a pine (pinus nigre) and a holly. They now trive and don’t get the morning sun. Would love to add more to the garden but quite exposed…not their favourite place!
Thank you for post.