Planting Position: Best planted in a sunny spot through to partial shade ideally in an area sheltered from strong afternoon summer sun. Also away from exposed frosty sites, as late spring frosts may damage new foliage.
Soil: While acer plants are not fully fledged Ericaceous or Lime Hating plants they do prefer soil with a high Acid content.
Suitable for container planting: Yes equally as happy in the pot or the ground. Eventual height and spread: Upto 3 metres tall with a 3 metre spread.
Growth Speed: Relatively slow.
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy.
Flowering Period: Not applicable.
Pruning: Not really a requirement. However if you choose to, hard Pruning should be done in the dormant months November through to early February. Some light pruning can also be undertaken during the growing season to help create a defined shape for your plant Foliage: Purple/red through to crimson in Autumn Evergreen:
No deciduous
Winter Hardy: Yes
As we already said Acer plants prefer Acid soil although this is not an aboslute necessity it will help the plant reach its full potential. If you have unsuccessfully tried to grow Azalea, Rhododendren, Pieris, Camellias the chances are your soil has a high lime content. Soil can be improved by adding Ericaceous compost to the planting hole this will lower the lime content and raise acid. If pot planted best choice is John Innes Ericaceous Compost this is a specially formulated sterilised loam based, lime free compost with essential foods for plants such as Acer Palmatum. Also in the coldest areas it may be advisable wrap the pots in a winter fleece or bubble wrap during the coldest months, this will help protect the roots. Repotting in fresh compost should be considered every 2 years. Ensure an adequate water supply and feed approximately every 6-8 weeks from early spring through to mid-summer
