What is the common name for Acer japonicum?
Acer japonicum, commonly called full moon maple, is a deciduous, spreading, small tree or large shrub that grows to 20-30′ tall. It often grows in a multi-trunked form. It is native to mountainous areas of Japan, Manchuria and Korea. It’s fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Maples. Japanese maples are deciduous trees, which means they do lose their leaves in the winter.Also known as Acer Palmatum, Japanese Maples are a favourite in many bonsai collection, admired as they are for their delicate, five pointed leaves and fine, graceful branches.What most people experience is summer heat stress due to infrequent (or lack of) water when the tree needs it, especially during a heat wave. Most Japanese maples will burn a little on the leaf tips in the first year while acclimating to a sunny location. But after that, they should not experience more stress.The best way to encourage growth and color in a Japanese maple is to ensure that the tree is getting the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients. If the tree is planted in too much shade, it may need to be moved to a sunnier location.
How do you care for Acer japonicum?
A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade. Although full sun is tolerated, leaves may scorch in full sun in hot southern summers. Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ Prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun, as long as the plant is shaded for a small part of the day.
How tall do Acer japonicum grow?
Acer japonicum is a small deciduous tree growing to 5–10 m (rarely 15 m) tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth on young trees, becoming rough and scaly on old trees. The shoots are slender, and thinly downy with whitish hairs. Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 5 – 8 (12) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.
Where is the best place to plant a Japanese Acer?
Their natural habitat is out of strong winds, with some light shade and normally a neutral to acidic, moist but free-draining soil. Above all, Japanese Acers require a sheltered position away from strong northerly winds and frost pockets. The natural loss of acers losing their leaves These attractive trees usually lose most of their leaves in autumn shortly after they start to change colour. They continue to shed in winter, so their branches are bare by the middle of the season.For this reason, where possible, pot grown Acers should be planted in a suitably site. Otherwise, move the pot to a more sheltered location. Next, a fleece which allows sunlight and rain to penetrate whilst sheltering the limbs from icy breezes should be supported around the branches using canes.
Are Japanese Acers fast growing?
Japanese maples are easy to grow in containers or in the ground, with most preferring a sheltered, shady spot. Small and slow growing with a graceful habit and beautiful foliage, they’re the perfect choice for even the tiniest of gardens. Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’ is the Perfect Dwarf Japanese Maple for Nearly Any Garden Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’ Dwarf Japanese maple has become known as one of the very best red lace leaf Japanese maples.Most varieties of Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) have shallow fibrous root systems that resent competition from other plants, so when planting, they should be given space. The best ground conditions for Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) is moist, free-draining light sandy loams that are slightly acidic.Japanese maples are easy to grow in containers or in the ground, with most preferring a sheltered, shady spot.Choose a position with full sun in cooler climates but dappled afternoon shade in warmer regions. Japanese maples are frost tolerant but need protection from wind as this can dry out the leaves and cause tip scorching (especially in summer time).