{"id":1607518,"date":"2021-04-23T11:26:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-23T16:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1607518"},"modified":"2021-04-23T13:18:20","modified_gmt":"2021-04-23T18:18:20","slug":"japanese-maple-tree-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/japanese-maple-tree-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Maple Tree Care: Planting and Growing Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The jaw-dropping elegance of the Japanese maple's vibrant colors and graceful appearance has inspired Japanese poets and artists for centuries. In Japan, the annual pilgrimage to view the tree's stunning autumn colors (called momiji-gari, or \"maple tree viewing\") is an event with spiritual significance.<\/p>\r\n

Although they're most well known for their fall foliage, richly colored leaves emerge in spring and remain, often evolving throughout the growing season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What Is a Japanese Maple Tree?<\/h2>\r\n

A Japanese maple tree is an ornamental tree that belongs primarily to the species Acer palmatum.<\/em>\u00a0There are hundreds of varieties of Japanese maples of varying sizes, forms, leaf types and colors.<\/p>\r\n

There are weeping varieties with cascading branches, upright varieties with branches that grow out and up to heights of 35 feet and dwarf varieties that may only grow from two to eight feet tall. Some have broad fanning leaves, while others have small and delicate leaves with a lacy texture. And they produce a small, colorful fruit (called samara) <\/em>in the spring.<\/p>\r\n

The leaf colors include purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green and multi-colored (variegated). Red-leafed Japanese maples (like the \"bloodgood\") are among the most common. They produce pink leaves in early spring that turn purplish-red in the summer and culminate in a deep crimson red in fall. These are the trees you should consider planting in the spring<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Where Do Japanese Maples Thrive?<\/h2>\r\n

Generally, Japanese maples thrive in areas where the average minimum temperature remains above -10 degrees F (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6<\/a>), but some can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 F (Zone 4). Most prefer part sun with afternoon shade because their delicate leaves are prone to scorching. In hotter climates, a Japanese maple may prefer partial or dappled shade. However, some \u2014 particularly green-leaf varieties \u2014 can tolerate full sun, even in hot climates.<\/p>\r\n

Strong winds can damage fragile branches and dry out the leaves, causing a condition called windburn, especially when combined with hot temperatures. Japanese maples should be placed where they are protected from wind, like the leeward side of your house. Here's when to plant the most popular vegetables<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Plant a Japanese Maple<\/h2>\r\nJapanese maples prefer loose, well-draining, moist, slightly acidic soil. Fall (one to two months before the first freeze) is the best time for planting, so the roots can get established while the rest of the tree is dormant. Spring planting is also possible after the last frost. Planting in an eastern location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is best.\r\n

Japanese maples can be planted in the ground or in containers. When planting in the ground, place them in a hole that's three times the width of the root ball and backfill with well-draining soil. For containers, place the tree in a pot that's two or three times the size of the root ball, and fill with a slightly acidic potting soil mix<\/a>. Only plant smaller, dwarf varieties of Japanese maple in containers. Check out these easy plants you can grow in containers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Care for a Japanese Maple<\/h2>\r\n