Japanese Acers are a popular addition to any garden, but they need care and attention to keep their vibrant red colouring all year round – and there’s one thing you can do now to help
Japanese Acers, also cherished as Japanese Maples, stand out as true garden favourites for their sumptuous red hues and unique silhouette. They’re gorgeous, but in need of a constant maintenance.
However, to maintain their radiant appearance, these trees need a bit of TLC – gardening gurus suggest several tips to keep your Japanese Acer’s colour vibrant all through the year. These striking red trees are renowned for their rich burgundy akin to fine red wine, but should they begin to wilt or perish, they’re in jeopardy of losing their hallmark tone.
UrbanGardensWeb points out that Japanese Acers can face multiple challenges, such as aphids, too much direct sunlight causing scorching or even excessive watering leading to drenched soil that does more harm than good.
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To preserve the vitality and robust reds of an Acer, experts recommend nurturing it with ‘good quality fertiliser’, advising: “Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course.”
The positioning of the Acer is also pivotal; the amount of sun or shade it basks in and the timing of exposure play a part in maintaining its vivid red foliage, reports the Express.
Experts at MrMaple.Com underline that location influences colour vibrancy, noting: “A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it’s known to be a red cultivar. Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colors, or may even be more green than red.”
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They added: “Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant.”
“Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you’re looking for a certain colour. Red Dragon & Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars.”
By doing this simple task, gardeners can ensure their Japanese Acer will remain vibrant red throughout the summer and other seasons, adding the needed touch of colour to every garden.