Can a Japanese Maple Be Grown in a Container?
Japanese maples, or Acer palmatum, can be grown in containers on your porch or in your yard. Add some color to your front door area with a bright red maple, or use a low hanging maple to shelter the fish pond in your yard. These trees must be re-potted as they get larger. Does this Spark an idea?
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Container
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When planting your Japanese maple in a container, look for one that is wide and deep. Although you want to plant your maple in a suitably sized container, you don't want to have to re-pot it every year. A container that has a depth half the size of its width will work nicely. The container can be plastic, wood or stone. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom so the soil doesn't get soggy.
Soil and Fertilizer
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The best soil for your Japanese maple is a sandy or loamy soil, which will provide proper drainage for your plant. Fill half the container with packing peanuts or lava rock before adding soil to ensure consistent drainage. Use fertilizer sparingly. A slow-release fertilizer in spring and early-summer works well.
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Location
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Japanese maples can be grown in zones 5 to 8. They prefer partial shade to full sun in a location sheltered from wind. Use fences, your house or tall bushes to act as windbreaks.
Pruning
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Prune a Japanese maple to keep it looking tidy. The best time to prune is during its dormant season between November and February. This will prevent sap from draining from the tree, which could weaken it. Prune annually for best health and shape and to control size.
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References
- East Texas Gardening: YES! WE CAN GROW JAPANESE MAPLES IN EAST TEXAS!
- Royal Horticultural Society: Japanese maple
- Sunset: Japanese Maples
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Japanese Maple
- Washington State Extension: Japanese Maples
- University of California: Master Gardener Newspaper Articles: Pruning Japanese Maples
- Photo Credit japanese maple image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
