In autumn, the Japanese maple shines in the most beautiful red, yellow or orange colors and brings a cheerful splash of color to the garden just before the gray winter. The rather slow-growing tree can be planted in even the smallest garden, especially if you have chosen a dwarf variety. Japanese maple is very popular because of its particularly delicate leaves. But no matter which Japanese maple you choose: Most species and varieties are very hardy even in our latitudes.
Is the Japanese maple hardy?
Most Japanese maples are hardy and can thrive in cooler climates. Only young plants or potted maples need protection in winter such as layers of leaves, straw or spruce branches in the root area as well as a wind-protected, bright location.
Japanese maple comes from cool, temperate climates
From a climatic point of view, Japan is very diverse. While a cool, temperate climate with long, snowy winters and short, mild summers prevails in the north, subtropical and even tropical zones can be found in the south. Most Japanese maples come from the north, with the Japanese maple (Acer japonicum) being found primarily on the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. For this reason, most of the Japanese maples sold in this country are used to cold climates and are therefore very hardy in our latitudes.
Protect young plants and potted maples from frost
Planted specimens therefore do not require any extra winter protection, with one exception: they are young Japanese maples. Additional protection makes sense, especially if they were just planted this year. This can be designed very simply; a thick layer of leaves or straw or a few spruce branches in the root area are usually sufficient. Since they are shallow-rooted, they are of course particularly sensitive. Also make sure to plant Japanese maples in spring if possible - then the trees have enough time to grow.
Protecting potted maples
Japanese maples kept in pots should also be protected from frost:
- Place the planter on a house wall or wall.
- The location should be bright and protected from the wind.
- Place the bucket on a wooden or Styrofoam base.
- Wrap the planter with fleece (€49.00 on Amazon) or raffia.
- Cover the substrate with leaves, straw or spruce branches.
The right care in winter
Japanese maple also needs water in winter, which is why you should water container specimens in particular from time to time - but only on frost-free days and when the substrate is dry. Furthermore, pruning should not be carried out in winter; Japanese maples tolerate such measures very poorly. Fertilization should also be avoided between August and March.
Tip
In spring, the shoots should be protected from late frosts using fleece or similar.
