How to plant and care for Japanese maple trees

Popular Japanese maple varieties

No matter your style, there’s a Japanese maple to suit any taste. While their flowers might seem unremarkable, the Japanese maple’s real appeal lies in its ever-changing leaves. From season to season, the maple’s leaves put on a show, changing from green to deep red, to gold, and even pink!

Here are some standout varieties to consider:

• Orange Dream: Leaves go from yellow with orange edges in spring to lime green in summer, finishing in brilliant red in autumn.
• Osakasuki: Shifts from soft pink in spring to olive green in summer, to fiery red in autumn.
• Shindeshojo: Great for growing in pots, with fire-engine red leaves.
• Katsura: Yellow leaves with red edges in spring and a mix of red, orange, and yellow in autumn.
• Sango Kaku: Aka, the coral-bark maple, this tree stands out with coral-red bark.
• Butterfly: Small but mighty, this compact tree has green leaves edged in pink and cream.

When to plant a Japanese maple

Like most trees, Japanese maples like being planted in autumn. The soil is still warm from summer, so the tree has a nice cosy spot to establish its roots before getting to work (growing) in spring.

If you miss the autumn window, never fear. Early spring works too. Just avoid planting in the intense heat of summer and if you’re still expecting frosty weather. Young maples don’t like sudden temperature drops.

Where to plant Japanese maples in your garden

To help your Japanese maple thrive, give it what it knows. Mimic the trees natural environment by popping it into slightly acidic, well-draining soils. If you’ve got heavy clay soil, mix in some Scotts Osmocote^® Rose, Gardenia, Azalea & Camellia Mix or stick to pots.

For the best results:

• Light: Japanese maples are sun-seekers, but don’t love intense afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.
• Shelter: They’re not fans of wild winds. Pop your tree near a hedge or a in a cozy corner of your garden to keep it safe.

How to plant Japanese maple in your garden

Ready to plant? Here’s what to do:

1. Dig a wide, shallow hole: Japanese maple roots spread sideways rather than down, so give them plenty of room to spread out
2. Prep the soil: Mix your garden soil with an acidic soil mix and some volcanic rock or grit for aeration.
3. Place the tree: Pop your Japanese maple upright in the hole. Make sure the spot where the trunk meets the roots is at ground level.
4. Water: Fill the hole with soil and water to help the roots settle into their new home.

Growing Japanese maples in pots in Australia

Working with a smaller space? Japanese maples work great in pots too. Here’s how to plant one in a pot:

1. Go for a large pot: Choose a pot at least 50 cm wide and deep. Drainage holes are non-negotiable.
2. Prep the soil: Use a mix of acidic compost, volcanic grit, and a high-quality planting soil.
3. Plant the tree: Pop the tree upright and add soil.
4. Water and position: Water, then park the pot in a sunny or partially shaded spot, safe from wild winds.

What to plant with a Japanese maple

Buddy up your Japanese maple with plants that like the same things. Try acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. Or add ferns for a lush, layered look.

For something more zen, pair your potted Japanese maple with bamboo or moss.

Caring for Japanese maples

Once they’re in the ground, Japanese maples are pretty low maintenance. They don’t need a lot. But a little TLC doesn’t hurt. To help your maple thrive:

• Water: Newly planted Japanese maples regularly, especially in spring or when it’s warm.
• Mulch: Around the bottom of the tree to keep your soil moist, reduce weeds, and protect the roots from hot or cold weather.
• Prune: Only if you want a specific shape. Otherwise, it’s not really needed. If you are going to give your maple a trim, do it at the end of winter before it starts growing in spring.
• Feed: With a fertiliser made for trees and shrubs, like this slow-release fertiliser.

Repotting potted Japanese maples

Potted Japanese maples should be re-homed in a larger pot every couple of years as their roots can get a little cramped. If you can’t repot it, just swap out the top layer of soil with fresh compost give it a boost.

Common diseases and how to prevent them

Japanese maples are pretty tough, but you still might find yourself dealing with a pesky pest or two:

• Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease infects the roots and causes discoloured leaves and dodgy growth. Sadly, there’s no cure, so prevent it by keeping your soil in top condition with compost.
• Root rot: Caused by soggy soil. This is why good drainage is essential.
• Scale insects and aphids: Give your tree regular check-ups and keep an eye out for  scale insects, aphids, or spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal sprays or natural options like horticultural oils.