Japanese Maples

Q: Where should I plant a Japanese maple?

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Q: Do Japanese maples grow well in pots?

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Q: Why are the leaves on my Japanese maple going crispy?

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Q: When do Japanese maples change colour?

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Japanese maples are the most elegant small trees you can grow. Their fine, layered leaves turn a pot or a quiet corner into a piece of living sculpture, changing colour through the seasons.

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Black Japanese Maple 'Black Lace'

Acer palmatum 'Black Lace'

£42.99

1

Pink Japanese Maple 'Beni-maiko'

Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'

£16.99

1

Purple Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

£15.99

1

Golden Japanese Maple 'Orange Dream'

Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream'

£16.99

1

Yellow Bark Japanese Maple 'Bi Hoo'

Acer palmatum 'Bi Hoo'

£39.99

1

Yellow Japanese Maple 'Anne Irene'

Acer palmatum 'Anne Irene'

£39.99

1

Full Moon Maple (Shirasawa Maple)

Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise'

£49.99

1

Growing Japanese maples

Few plants earn their place as completely as a Japanese maple. Acer palmatum and its relatives grow slowly into refined, architectural little trees, with delicate hand-shaped leaves that catch the light and shift colour from spring through to a spectacular autumn finale of red, orange and gold. Their size and pace make them ideal for pots, courtyards and small gardens where a full-sized tree would overwhelm.

The main things a maple asks for are shelter and steady moisture. Cold drying winds and hot midday sun both scorch the fine leaves, so a spot in dappled shade, out of the wind, keeps the foliage looking its best. They are happy in the ground or in a large pot of free-draining, slightly acidic compost, and need almost no pruning. Protect the roots of potted maples from hard frost and they will reward you for decades.

All grown for UK gardens and sent out well rooted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I plant a Japanese maple?

Give it a sheltered spot in dappled shade, out of cold winds and fierce midday sun, both of which scorch the delicate leaves. They grow happily in the ground or in a large pot, which makes them ideal for a patio or small garden.

Do Japanese maples grow well in pots?

Very well. Their slow growth and modest size suit container life for many years. Use a large pot of free-draining, slightly acidic compost, keep it watered in summer, and protect the roots from hard frost in winter.

Why are the leaves on my Japanese maple going crispy?

Almost always wind or sun scorch, or dry roots. Move or shelter the plant from drying wind and hot afternoon sun, and keep the soil steadily moist, especially in a pot. The tree recovers as new growth comes through.

When do Japanese maples change colour?

The best show is in autumn, when many turn brilliant red, orange or gold before dropping their leaves. Several also emerge in strong colour in spring, so a maple earns its place at both ends of the year.