Acers

Acer Palmatum 'Dissectum Atropurpureum '

Japanese maples are my favourite tree (Acer palmatum). They provide interesting new growth, handsome summer sillouhete, brilliant autumn color (for which they are best known) and if pruned correctly good winter structure. Some also have colourful bark which provides additional winter interest.

Acers have a bit of a reputation of being difficult. That they require acid soil and should be kept out of the sun. As a proud owner of around 20 different veriaties I can definetley say the reputation is unfounded.

I grow acers in a number of settings, in pots (the speciment above spent it first 3 years in a plastic pot, almost forgotten in the front garden), in large raised boxes as well as in the ground. All have been successful so far. My garden soil is neutral clay, and I have had no problem with the trees growing in the ground. Some of them are planted in shade, some in semi shade and some in full sun and this doesn't seem to affect them. (we installed an automatic drip watering system, and this helps when it's really hot, I also mulch around the trees, so water is not lost).

It seems that the only thing affecting acers is strong wind. It will usually causes the edges of the leaves to brown and shrivel. Keeping them moist helps reduce the problem which is mainly caused by water evaporating quickly from the leaves.
But, even when affected, they are quick to recover, and new growth is unaffected.

The only thing to watch out for is over wintering Acers in pots. Because of their fine root system, Acers growing in pots (in particular younger trees in smaller pots) can rot, so the best solution is to wrap the top of the pot in a couple of layers of fleece to reduce moisture and provide some frost protection (in general Acers are very hardy but roots may be affected if growing in a smaller pot). This way they can be left where they are ... less work all-round.

Hope you will try one ...