GROWING AND CARING FOR JAPANESE MAPLES

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GROWING AND CARING FOR JAPANESE MAPLES

Nothing can beat Japanese maples in the centre of attention drama and vibrant fall colours. Japanese maple trees can create an impressive focal point. They can make them the ideal plant to add a splash of colour to in a huge container or develop into a stunning bonsai plant. Wide Japanese maple varieties are available in various sizes and an array of leaves and hues that vary from green shades to red, orange and purple. They also come in variegated.

JAPANESE MAPLES

THE BASICS

Zones:

Generally speaking, zones 8 to 9.It is important to consider heat mainly in the south. It is not solely for the health of the maple but because of its impact on the colour of leaves, which causes numerous varieties with red or purple leaves to “go green” in the summer. They usually begin to leaf earlier in the season, and a cold snap late in the season can cause significant damage to mature trees.

Height/Spread:

The range of options is between 8 and thirty feet high and broad.

Exposure:

The right amount of light is an act of balance. A lot of light can harm delicate leaves. A lack of light and even some of the more vibrant varieties may develop a greenish tint which is still beautiful; however, not the deep autumn colour of purples and reds as could be expected. Many maples require partial sunlight or at least bright lighting to get the best colour.

Colours of Foliage:

Famous for their stunning autumnal colour, Japanese maples also present shades of yellows, reds, purples, greens and oranges and various colours throughout the growing season.

Rate of growth:

Most Japanese maples can grow at a slow, moderate rate of between 1 and 2 feet each year. They tend to increase faster when they are young and decrease in size as they grow older. Placing them in an area where they feel comfortable and taking care of them properly will help increase their growth. If you’re looking for a mature style right from the beginning, You can choose to choose an old and more prominent maple instead of a younger one that could require several years to grow. If this isn’t possible, you can choose a cultivar with a reputation of being a quicker-growing variety, like the Acer palmatum ‘Beni Otake’.

JAPANESE MAPLES

PLANTING JAPANESE MAPLES

Planting time:

Fall is the perfect time to plant since it gives root systems in the Japanese maple to grow, and the remainder of the tree is dormant. But, many gardeners are successful in producing in spring. In any case, be sure there’s no chance of frost harming the tree that has just been planted.

Location:

Japanese maples are suited to be planted in places that are protected from strong winds and frosty spring days.

Soil:

Japanese maples are pretty adaptable. They prefer well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. If you are in a region with heavy clay soil, plant them in a slightly elevated position. Is beneficial. This can aid in preventing diseases like root rot and. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves because of the absence of chlorophyll) can occur in soils with high pH.

Container plant:

A lot of smaller varieties are great for containers. Japanese trees “self stunt,” meaning their growth rate will drop as their roots become confined. Planting them in the container is best to concentrate on smaller, medium, or dwarf varieties.

CARE & PRUNING

Water:

Ensure to water them properly at the time of planting and again afterwards. While they can withstand occasional dry spells after planting, It is essential to stay clear of extremes in moisture and ensure that you water them regularly during extreme drought. The maples love mulch as it shields their roots from cold and heat and decreases how often they need to water, mainly when they are in containers. Place mulch a few inches from the tree.

Fertilizer:

Low-nitrogen fertilizers work well for early spring (N-15 or less); however, avoid applying after May as it could hinder the fall colour and winter toughness. It is recommended to fertilize new-planted Japanese maples in the second growing season.

Pruning:

Japanese maples don’t need regular pruning and can develop their own beautiful, natural shape. You can thin branches over time to give your garden an airy look. To make a canopy take away lower limbs. Japanese maples differ from the regular pruning seasons of autumn and winter due to the sap that drips through the cut seasons. This can result in diseases and weakened trees. The best time to prune is in July-August when liquid does not flow out of the branches. Since most Japanese maples are grafted, the shoots that sprout at the base of the plant must be cut off as they could be more extensive than that grafted portion and eventually overtake the grafted section.

Problems, Diseases, Pests:

Most of the time, Japanese maples don’t suffer from any significant pest or disease issues. They are susceptible to foliage spots, fusarium botrytis, verticillium wilt anthracnose, and root rot. Mites are a nuisance; some pests could include Aphids, scales, borers, and root weevils.

JAPANESE MAPLE DESIGN IDEAS

Japanese maples can stand on their own as a singular, stunning centrepiece, focal point or accent, or they can work in tandem to create an attractive background. They can match other species well and are particularly suited to plants with similar light and water needs. Ground covers and perennials planted around them can provide additional shade and create a zone that protects the trunk from mower and weed eater injuries.

JAPANESE MAPLES

Plants that are good companion plants to Japanese maples:

Ginkgos

Dawn redwoods

Rhododendrons

Azaleas

Conifers

Sedum

Tips: Japanese maples can be limbed to reveal their beautiful branches and allow for easy viewing of other plants.

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