Japanese maples in pots
QI love Japanese maples and would like to grow one in a pot because I don’t think we have the right soil and we might move soon. Which one should I choose, and what container size and compost will I need to keep it healthy? Donna Dunlop, Clitheroe, Lancashire
AThere are several advantages to growing these beautiful small trees in containers. We don’t all have the slightly acidic, humus-rich and welldraining soil they prefer and this is easy to fix in a pot. Although these trees are naturally compact, root restriction helps keep them neat. Best of all, they are mobile, and as well as moving house with you (use a sack truck for large containers), potted trees are easily shifted out of locations that turn out to be wind tunnels, frost pockets or receive harsh afternoon sun. The major drawback is care, as containerised plants will need regular potting on, watering and feeding.
The term ‘Japanese maple’ usually refers to cultivars of Acer palmatum, but could include those of slightly larger full-moon maple (Acer japonicum). One of the easiest to find and grow is Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’, a naturally low-growing mound-forming tree whose fine, deeply cut leaves are beautiful from their bright spring unfurling to the bonfire shades of autumn.
A whole group of cultivars belong to the Dissectum Group, including delicate A.p. ‘Emerald Lace’ and bronze-red
A.p. ‘Ornatum’. A little taller with variable colouring, A.p. ‘Orange Dream’ is a sound choice when shaded from harsh sun. Cultivars are propagated by grafting them on to seedling stocks. Check out a specialist like Hippopottering Nursery ( hippopotteringmaples.co.uk) and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
New plants are usually well established in their pots and ready for a larger container in spring. Choose a pot with enough room for your hand to push new compost around the old rootball but no larger, otherwise roots will be swamped by empty compost.
Once established in the new pot and depending on vigour, the tree will require potting on again in one-three years, in September or spring. Wooden half-barrels make great final containers.