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Japanese Maples, the Dwarf Acers
 By
James Kilkelly
I have been known to rant on about how people should try to include more
native plants within their garden. However, I would never dissuade someone from
including a Japanese maple within his or her garden; on the contrary, I would
heartily recommend it.
History and color
The image of a Japanese maple in full leaf brings to my mind images of
oriental calmness, still water and moss covered mountains. This elegant plant is
a distinct part of the culture and consciousness of its native Japan through its
use in both horticulture and art. In the year 1800, over 200 varieties of this
plant were noted in Japan, this figure grew over the next 100 years, only to
have those numbers knocked back again to 200 by the maelstrom of the second
world war. Japanese maples also known as Acer palmatum or Acer japonicum are
diminutive in stature compared to other trees. Heights range from 1 meter to 7
meters, leading many gardeners to class them as large shrubs rather than small
trees. Words cannot do justice to the color displayed by a Japanese maple; it
must be seen to be believed. An Acer owner will experience fiery new spring
growth, calm summer foliage and even fierier autumn chilled leaves.
Palmate or Dissectum
There are two main groups of Japanese maple. The “Palmate” group has a
reasonably upright growth habit with layered branches and leaves that are made
up of five to nine lobes. The “Dissectum” group rightly lives up to its name
with its lobed leaves dissected, feathered and lace-like. I feel that the maples
in the “Dissectum” group look particularly well if planted close by an informal
water feature due mainly to their weeping, cascading form.
How to grow a dwarf acer
Japanese maples do well if planted in an east facing aspect, allowing it
access to the morning sun and protecting it from the mid-day sun. Shelter from
winds and a moist but free draining soil are also important cultivation
requirements. A 7cm layer of bark mulch applied to the plants base will help
prevent the plant drying out. To enable good growth you must feed your little
piece of the orient, apply a liquid fertilizer in mid-spring and again in
mid-summer at half strength. As these Acers are shallow rooted, they are ideal
for planting amongst other shrubs with no check to growth. For a delightful
oriental scene, try planting Acer palmatum with rhododendrons, azalea, bamboo
and birch.
Specimens for container growing
Two beautiful specimen maples whose leaves are opening out within garden
centers now are “Orange Dream” and “Beni-Maiko”. “Orange Dream” is worth
mentioning due to its fresh yellow/green lobed leaves. The young growing tips
have an orange glow, providing an attractive contrast. “Beni-Maiko” on the other
hand produces lovely pink foliage in spring turning to dark red in summer. Both
of these Acers grow to around 1 meter tall, an ideal size for container growing.
If you choose to grow a Japanese maple in a container, try to select one that is
sympathetic to the plants heritage, a glazed oriental style pot would be ideal.
James Kilkelly runs a professional garden design service in Galway, Ireland.
He has a regular gardening column in a Irish regional newspaper. Visit his
website at
http://www.gardenplansireland.com/
He also regularly posts his expert advice on the gardening forums at
http://www.gardenstew.com/
Article's original location:
Seeding Your Lawn, Laid Bare
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kilkelly
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