Deeply slotted or lobed leaves in fresh green or rich red, a beautiful, bright autumn color and a rather weak growth - no wonder that the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), which originally comes from East Asia, is also found in many gardens here and also as Potted plant can be found on balconies and terraces. Whether green or red Japanese maple - the following article gives you precise instructions for planting the ornamental tree.
How do you plant a Japanese maple correctly?
To plant a Japanese maple, choose a sunny to partially shaded, wind-protected location with loose, sandy-humous and permeable soil. Plant after the Ice Saints in late spring and give the tree plenty of space to develop optimally.
Which location does the Japanese maple prefer?
Acer palmatum prefers a sunny to light, partially shaded, wind-protected and warm location - preferably facing south. However, some varieties are particularly sensitive to direct sun or midday sun and should therefore be shaded during this time.
In which substrate should Japanese maple be planted?
The Japanese maple feels particularly comfortable in a loose, sandy, humus-rich and beautifully permeable garden soil that ideally has a slightly acidic to neutral pH value. Alkaline soils are not tolerated.
When is the ideal planting time for the Japanese maple?
Plant your Japanese maple in late spring if possible - i.e. after the ice saints - so that the tree has time to root strongly and literally "take root" in its new location before the onset of winter. In principle, container goods can of course be planted throughout the entire growing season.
At what distance should the Japanese maple be planted from other plants?
Fan maples are best suited as solitary plants and should be given plenty of space - especially since some varieties can grow up to three or four meters wide when they are older. However, an Acer palmatum that has somehow been squeezed into the bed has no chance of really showing off its beauty.
Does the Japanese maple bloom?
Yes, Japanese maples bloom between May and June and usually show quite inconspicuous, red to brown-red flower clusters.
How can you propagate the Japanese maple?
The Japanese maple is best propagated using soft to semi-ripe cuttings that are cut in late spring or early summer.
Can you transplant Japanese maple?
Transplanting planted Japanese maples should only be carried out if absolutely necessary - especially if such a tree is already older than four years. Note that Acer palmatum is a shallow-rooted plant whose roots can grow quite wide - so dig up the root disk very generously and damage as few roots as necessary.
Tip
When planting, it is recommended to improve the excavation with mature compost soil (€12.00 on Amazon) and - if the soil is rather firm - with coarse sand.
