Can Japanese maples be grown in containers? Yes, they can. If you have a porch, a patio, or even a fire escape, you have what you need to start growing Japanese maples in containers. These graceful, slender maple trees (Acer palmatum) thrive in pots as long as you know how to plant them. If you are interested in planting a Japanese maple in a pot, here’s all the information you’ll need to get started.
Can Japanese Maples Be Grown in Containers?
Growing Japanese maples in containers is not as unusual as you may think. Many different types of trees thrive in containers. The smaller the mature size of the species, the more likely it is that the tree will grow happily in a large pot. You can grow both evergreen and deciduous trees in containers. Smaller species and dwarf varieties of evergreens usually do well as container-grown plants. So do small deciduous trees like the Japanese maple.
Growing Japanese Maples in Containers
It’s not that hard to start growing Japanese maples in containers. To start one or more potted Japanese maples, you need a large container, good potting soil, and a partially sunny location for it. The first step toward having a container-grown Japanese maple is to determine a variety that would work well in your area. With hundreds of different Japanese maple cultivars available in commerce, you need to choose one that will grow in your plant hardiness zone. Pick dwarf or semi-dwarf species for your potted Japanese maples. Generally, these maples grow slower in pots and develop smaller root systems. If you pick a tree that doesn’t get taller than 10 feet (3 m.) tall, you won’t have to do annual pruning.
Caring for a Japanese Maple in a Pot
If you want a healthy, happy, container-grown Japanese maple, you’ll need to plant your tree in a container that is about twice the size of the tree’s root system. It is imperative that the pot has one or more drainage holes. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Use good quality potting soil to fill the pot. Once the tree is potted, water it well. This helps to settle the roots in the soil. Don’t fertilize until spring, and even then dilute a water-based fertilizer to half-strength. If over time, you see that the roots of the Japanese maple in a pot touch the side or bottom of the container, it’s time for root pruning. Clip out the big, wood roots. This lets smaller roots develop.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners They'll Actually Use – Starting At $10Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
-
Japanese Maple Tar Spots: Treating A Japanese Maple With Tar SpotsOnce established, Japanese maple plantings usually require little attention from homeowners, with the exception of a few common tree issues – tar spot on Japanese maples being one of these. Learn about treating a Japanese maple with tar spot in this article.
-
Why Japanese Maple Won’t Leaf Out – Troubleshooting A Leafless Japanese Maple TreeFew trees are more charming than Japanese maples with their deeply cut, starry leaves. If your Japanese maple won?t leaf out, it?s very disappointing. Leafless Japanese maple are stressed trees, and you?ll need to track down the cause. Click here to learn more.
-
Japanese Maple Leaf Spot: What Causes Spots On Japanese Maple LeavesWith a compact size, interesting foliage, and beautiful colors, Japanese maple can anchor a space and add a lot of visual interest. If you're seeing spots on Japanese maple leaves, though, you may be worried for your tree. Find out what those spots are and what to do about them here.
-
Japanese Weeping Maple Care: Tips For Growing Japanese Weeping MaplesJapanese weeping maple trees are among the most colorful and unique trees available for your garden. And, unlike regular Japanese maples, the weeping variety grows happily in warm regions. Click this article for additional information about Japanese weeping maples.
-
Japanese Maple Feeding Habits – How To Fertilize A Japanese Maple TreeJapanese maples are garden favorites with their graceful, slender trunks and delicate leaves. To keep your tree happy, you?ll need to site it correctly and apply fertilizer. If you want to learn when and how to fertilize a Japanese maple tree, this article will help.
-
Japanese Maple Seed Propagation: Tips On Planting Japanese Maple SeedsJapanese maples have a well-deserved place in the hearts of many gardeners. They are often bought as saplings, but it?s also possible to grow them yourself from seed. Learn more about how to germinate Japanese maple seed in this article.
-
Coral Bark Maple Trees: Tips On Planting Coral Bark Japanese MaplesCoral bark maple trees (Acer palmatum "Sango-kaku") are Japanese maples with four seasons of interest in the landscape. Want to learn more about the coral bark tree? Click this article for additional information about this stunning tree.
-
Japanese Maple Companions – What To Plant With Japanese Maple TreesThey add elegance to any garden when planted alone, but if you are looking for companions for Japanese maples, you'll have many choices. Look to this article for some ideas of what to plant with Japanese maple trees.
