JAPANESE MAPLES THE DWARF ACERS

japanese, maple, dwarf, acer

I have been known to rant on about how people should try to include more native plants within their garden. However, we would never prevent someone from including a Japanese maple within his or her garden; on the contrary, i would heartily cry it.

History and colour

The conception of a Japanese maple in full leaf brings to my mind images of oriental calmness, still water and moss lonesome plateau. This elegant plant is a distinct part of the culture and consciousness of its native Japan in that its prosperity in both horticulture and art. In the year 1800, over 200 varieties of this plant were noted in Japan, this constitution grew over the next 100 years, uncommon to have those numbers knocked back and to 200 by the maelstrom of the second totality war. Japanese maples also known as Acer palmatum or Acer japonicum are diminutive in stature compared to other trees. Heights range from 1 metre to 7 metres, leading many gardeners to class them as large shrubs reasonably than small trees. Words cannot do justice to the colour displayed by the Japanese maple; it must be seen to be believed. An Acer owner commit experience fiery new spring growth, calm summer leaflet and even fierier autumn chilled leaves.

Palmate or Dissectum

There are two main divisions of Japanese maple. The 'Palmate' group has a reasonably upright growth figure shelter layered branches also leaves that are made up of five to nine lobes. The 'Dissectum' group rightly lives increasing to its name disguise its lobed leaves dissected, feathered and lace-like. I feel that the maples in the 'Dissectum' group look particularly well if planted close through an informal water feature due mainly to their weeping, cascading form.

How to grow a dwarf acer

Japanese maples produce well if planted in an east diametrical aspect, allowing it access to the morning sun again protecting it from the mid-day sun. Shelter from winds and a moist but free bleeding soil are again important cultivation requirements. the 7cm layer of bark mulch applied to the plants base will help deter the plant drying out. To enable opportune growth you must cheer your little piece of the orient, apply a liquid fertiliser in mid-spring and again dominion mid-summer at half strength. As these Acers are shallow rooted, they are magnificent for planting amongst contrary shrubs with no set to growth. For a delightful oriental scene, endeavor planting Acer palmatum ensconce rhododendrons, azalea, bamboo and birch.

Specimens for container growing

Two beautiful specimen maples whose leaves are opening out within garden centres now are 'Orange Dream' and 'Beni-Maiko'. 'Orange Dream' is worth mentioning due to its fresh yellow/green lobed leaves. its unripe adulthood tips have an lime glow, providing an attractive contrast. 'Beni-Maiko' upon the other hand produces lovely pink foliage in spring turning to dark red in summer. Both of these Acers bloat to via 1 metre tall, an ideal size for container growing. If you choose to grow a Japanese maple in a container, try to select unique which is benevolent to the plants heritage, a glazed oriental style pot would embody ideal.More Info about;
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