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Great Japanese Maples for Containers

Acer palmatum

Acer, Acer palmatum, acer palmatum dissectum, Japanese Maple, Trees for containers, Japanese maples for containers

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Acer palmatum is a species to which most Japanese Maples belong. It includes a rich variety of deciduous shrubs or small trees with graceful habits, elegantly cut leaves, and extraordinarily colorful foliage, particularly in the fall when the leaves turn dazzling shades of golden-yellow, red-purple, and bronze before shedding to the ground.

  • Easy to grow, Japanese Maples are cold-hardy, remarkably adaptable to soil and climatic conditions, require little maintenance, and are worthy of featured positions such as lawn specimens or near patios where their spectacular leaf color changes throughout the year can be admired.
  • Countless dwarf varieties are perfectly suited to container planting. Since many Japanese Maples are slow growers, medium-sized varieties could also be considered for container planting, provided you are aware that they will outgrow their pots after a few years and will need to move to the garden.

When it comes to selecting the right Japanese Maple, the task may become daunting as there are many varieties to choose from. Below is a selection of the best or most distinctive Japanese Maples that could become the highlight of your containers. The Royal Horticultural Society has acknowledged many as plants of outstanding excellence for garden decoration through its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers

Great Japanese Maples for Containers

Japanese Maples – Container Planting Tips

  • Most Japanese Maples are hardy to zone 5. However, when grown in a container, they are more sensitive to cold. If growing your Japanese Maple in zone 5, protect it in winter. The roots of maples in pots are vulnerable to frost over winter, so wrap your container with bubble wrap, held in place with garden twine.
  • Select a site sheltered from cold winds, where your Japanese Maple can enjoy morning or late afternoon sun. Usually, the best leaf color is obtained in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. The green varieties of Japanese Maples take full sun very well, though they may slightly sunburn in particularly hot situations. Variegated cultivars prefer partial shade and need protection from the blistering afternoon sun. The red varieties need significant sunlight to color well, while yellows require more shade.
  • Plant your Japanese Maple in a loam-based compost, which enables good drainage and has a high level of organic matter. Keep the compost evenly moist but not soaking wet.
  • Minimum fertilization is required to keep a nice leaf coloration. Feed in spring and early summer with a slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed.
  • Your Maple will need repotting into a slightly bigger container every two years. Mid-spring or late summer are perfect months to do this.
  • Japanese Maples need little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Remove badly-placed or crossing shoots to encourage a lovely branch pattern. If you need to reduce height and width, follow long branches back to a side branch and prune it out at this point.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Add Drama in Your Garden With Terrific Japanese Maples
Great Japanese Maples with Striking Coral Bark
Great Japanese Maples with Stunning Spring Color
Plant Combination Ideas with Japanese Maples
Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples
Combining Japanese Maples for long-lasting color impact

Garden Examples

A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood
A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees
Compare All Acer (Maple)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers
Compare All Acer (Maple)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)

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