Bright red leaves in autumn are the hallmark of the Japanese maple that can be seen from afar. Would you also like to have such an enchanting eye-catcher in the garden? This is the ideal location for the Japanese maple.
In a nutshell
- comes from mountain regions of Japan
- common name for two species: Acer japonicum and Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
- decorative garden shrub with effective foliage colour
- sunny location with slightly acidic soil recommended
- the more sun, the wetter the earth
Japanese maple
When looking for an ornamental tree for the garden, you quickly come across the Japanese maple. Two varieties from the mountainous regions of East Asia often bear this designation in practice:
- (Monkshood leaf) Japanese maple (Acer japonicum)
- Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' (left) and Acer palmatum 'Black Lace'
The small tree can also unfold its beauty in Central European regions. The prerequisite for this is a suitable place. We give tips on choosing a location.
site conditions
The Japanese maple looks wonderful in a single position. If it gets light from all sides, it can develop its decorative parasol crown perfectly. The best place for it is sunny to semi-shady and sheltered from the wind. If possible, plant the tree on the south side of your property. Please note, however, that the quality of the soil is linked to the lighting conditions. In a sunny location, the soil must be moist. If the soil is dry, a semi-shady place is recommended.
Basically, the following applies to the soil quality:
- humus-sandy or sandy-loamy
- slightly sour
- without lime content
- well drained
- Absolutely avoid waterlogging
Ordinary garden soil is well suited for Japanese maples. You can enhance very sandy, dry soil by adding compost and some loamy topsoil. However, if the garden soil is heavy and contains clay, we recommend thorough loosening and the addition of sand and leaf compost.
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) cuts a fine figure in the rock garden in the right location.
Notice: Start watering in good time in sunny locations! The shallow roots must not dry out. A mulch layer prevents the soil from drying out and supplies the beautiful ornamental tree with nutrients.
Plant Japanese maple
Once you have found the right location, dig a hole twice the size of the root. Take the plant out of the pot and place it in a bowl of water. Wait until the root ball is completely soaked with water. Insert the root ball into the planting hole. Put the lifted soil back in and muddy everything well with water.
Notice: In winter, strong sunlight can lead to bark cracks. Wrap the trunk with reed mats or jute.
Perfect for pot culture
The requirements of the Japanese maple can be excellently met in pot culture. To do this, first choose a large vessel. Then fill in a thick layer of gravel as drainage to avoid waterlogging. Now insert the plant and fill up the substrate. Replant the maple tree every three to four years. In the meantime, it is enough if you regularly replace the top layer of the substrate with fresh soil. The red-leaved maple trees grow very slowly.
Tip: Do you want to make the lovely wood look really Japanese according to its origin? For example, paint a simple terracotta flower pot with Japanese characters and decorations and plant the small tree in it.
frequently asked Questions
What Causes Dry Dark Spots on Young Japanese Maple Leaves?Young maple trees in a sunny location quickly get sunburned on their leaves. Don't worry, the plant will not be affected. The older the ornamental trees get, the more robust the leaves become.
How does the Japanese maple develop in shady locations?The Japanese maple tree is one of the sun-loving trees. Its beautiful form with a short trunk and spreading, umbrella-shaped crown can only develop if it receives sufficient light. Keep in mind that the resilience of plants that grow in an unfavorable location suffers.
Which varieties of Japanese maple are suitable for Central European regions?The number one red-leaved maple with deeply lobed foliage is Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'. Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium' convinces with large leaves in a strong dark red. If you want to design your garden in an elegant Japanese way, you can't avoid the Acer palmatum 'Garnet' Japanese maple with crimson leaf decoration.