Japanese maple – planting and care

Scientific name: Acer palmatum

Family: Maple family (Aceraceae)

There’s a reason the laceleaf maple is a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers. The Japanese maple has great ornamental value, adding variation and contrast to all the greenery in the garden. With its delicate and vibrant leaves, the tree is a beautiful symbol of Japanese aesthetics, creating an atmospheric ambiance. In addition to the color, there are also varieties with special shapes, such as Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' and Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'.

This ornamental tree is suitable for both larger gardens and smaller outdoor spaces. Small varieties can even be grown in pots, as long as they have enough space and are well insulated. However, it is easier to succeed if you plant the tree directly in the ground.

The laceleaf maple can be planted from early spring until the frost arrives in the fall. However, it is important that the plant receives regular watering during the establishment phase, so we recommend planting either in spring or autumn – as it typically rains more during these seasons, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Placement
A sheltered location is crucial for the Japanese maple to thrive. The thin, delicate leaves are easily damaged by wind, and cold wind can cause the tree to freeze back. Choose a protected spot with plenty of light, preferably facing east or west. The tree doesn't grow quickly, but still consider that it will need space to reach its full height and width.

Soil
The laceleaf maple is not demanding when it comes to soil but prefers consistently moist soil. Mix the soil in the planting area with bark compost to give the tree a good start.

Watering
The tree requires consistently moist soil – it cannot tolerate drying out or standing in water for long periods. When planted in the ground, nature takes care of much of this, but be sure to water during dry periods.

Fertilizer
The Japanese maple doesn't require much fertilizer; a little cow manure compost in the spring is sufficient.

The transition from winter to spring is a critical time for the laceleaf maple. The frost in the ground prevents the tree from drawing up water, while the sun shines directly on the tree's crown and dries it out. The best way to protect the tree from drought damage is to cover it with burlap in early spring. Another risk in spring is that the tree may be tricked by an early warm spell and start producing new shoots too soon, only to freeze back when a new cold period arrives.

Pruning the laceleaf maple is not necessary, but if a branch is out of place or if you want to shape the tree a bit, it can tolerate pruning. It is best to prune during the JAS period—July, August, or September. Remember that pruning is not a method to limit growth, but rather to shape the tree.

It is possible to plant a laceleaf maple in a pot, but you should live in one of the milder climate zones in the country, typically along the coast in southern Norway. As a general rule, you should choose a variety of the tree that can tolerate at least one hardiness zone higher than where you live. For example, choose a tree that can tolerate H4 if you live in H3.

This tip applies to most shrubs and trees planted in pots. However, even then, there are no guarantees. To have the best chance of success, you should choose a very large and spacious pot and expect to spend a little extra time on care—especially watering and winter protection.

Are you one of the many who dream of having a beautiful Japanese maple in your garden or outdoor space, even though you live in a more harsh climate? Many wonder if it’s possible to overwinter a laceleaf maple indoors. It can work, for example, if you place it in a cool basement, garage, shed, or a greenhouse that protects the tree from the winter wind, but unfortunately, the risk of it not surviving is also quite high.

If you choose to take the chance, make sure the spot is both bright enough and cool enough for the tree during the winter, preferably no warmer than 10°C, to ensure it doesn’t break dormancy too early.

Laceleaf Maple 'Atropurpureum'
One of the most popular laceleaf maples. A medium-sized shrub that eventually develops a broad, fan-shaped growth. It has dark red leaves that turn intensely blood-red in the fall – hence the nickname "fan blood maple." Hardiness zone 1–4.

Laceleaf Maple 'Garnet'
A small shrub with a broad growth habit and red, deeply cut leaves. It has red-orange fall colors. Also available in stem varieties. Hardiness zone 1–4.

Japanese Maple 'Phoenix'
A Japanese maple with compact growth and palm-like leaves that appear pink with yellow-green leaf veins. The color gradually turns yellow, then green, before turning orange, red, and yellow in the fall. Hardiness zone 1–3.

Laceleaf Maple 'Emerald Lace'
A laceleaf maple with a cascading growth habit and emerald green, finely cut, slightly pointed foliage. It has orange fall colors. It forms a rounded, broad shrub or small tree. Hardiness zone 1–3.

Japanese Maple 'Orange Dream'
This variety emerges in spring with golden yellow leaves that turn light green in summer. It offers bright orange fall colors on the leaves. Hardiness zone 1–4.

A Japanese laceleaf maple, regardless of the variety, will make a lasting impression in your garden. The colorful leaves and artistic appearance quickly elevate the aesthetic and add a unique elegance.

Tips from the expert:

Nadja – Horticulturist and landscape architect with a special interest in potted plants, particularly climbing plants like philodendron and monstera.

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