Acer palmatum
Japanese MapleYou can copy this plant care and use it as-is or make it your own.
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General Information
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Instruction By Julie Bawden-Davis Notes Slow growing tree native to Japan and Korea. Features airy and delicate leaves that are deeply cut. Plant is deciduous and leaves change color in fall, providing visual interest. Most do best in part shade. Sunset Zones - 1
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USDA Zones - 1
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Web Link http://articles.latimes.com/1999/may/15/home/hm-37347
Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
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Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
January1. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.2. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.3. Special requirementsEvery three years, rejuvenate potted plants at this time of year by pruning their roots back by one-third and repotting in fresh soil.February1. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.2. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.3. Special requirementsEvery three years, rejuvenate potted plants at this time of year by pruning their roots back by one-third and repotting in fresh soil.March1. BuyBuy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. PlantPlant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.3. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.4. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.5. TransplantTransplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.April1. BuyBuy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. PlantPlant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.3. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.4. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.5. TransplantTransplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.May1. BuyBuy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. PlantPlant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.3. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.4. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.5. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.6. TransplantTransplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.June1. BuyBuy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.3. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.4. PrunePrune to shape, cutting out up to 30% of new growth.5. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.July1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.2. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.3. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.August1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.2. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.3. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.September1. BuyBuy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.3. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.October1. BuyBuy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.3. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.November1. BuyBuy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.2. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.3. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.December1. WaterKeep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.2. MulchPlant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
March
Buy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
April
Buy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
May
Buy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
June
Buy when leafed out so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
September
Buy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
October
Buy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
November
Buy when the leaves are turning, so you can choose the type and color of foliage you want.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
March
Plant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
April
Plant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
May
Plant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
May
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.
June
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.
July
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.
August
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, such as a 20-10-10.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.
February
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.
March
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.
April
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
May
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
June
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
July
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
August
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
September
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
October
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly.
November
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.
December
Keep Japanese maples moist at all times, but not soggy. Water regularly when there is no rainfall.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
June
Prune to shape, cutting out up to 30% of new growth.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
January
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
February
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
March
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
April
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
May
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
June
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
July
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
August
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
September
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
October
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
November
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
December
Plant requires cool roots, so maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip-line. Use compost, pine needles or shredded bark.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
March
Transplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
April
Transplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
May
Transplant in a part-shade location, unless the variety tolerates full sun. The plant requires well-draining, rich soil. Amend before planting with 50% soil mix made with 30% sandy loam soil; 30% planter mix and 40% peat moss. Use this same mix in containers.
Special requirements
Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?
January
Every three years, rejuvenate potted plants at this time of year by pruning their roots back by one-third and repotting in fresh soil.
February
Every three years, rejuvenate potted plants at this time of year by pruning their roots back by one-third and repotting in fresh soil.