How to Grow a Japanese Maple

Last Updated: March 13, 2020 References

Japanese maples are beautiful to behold in a garden and growing them is reasonably straightforward. Here is how to grow your own.

Steps

1
Choose a Japanese maple. There are many possible choices because a number of different forms of the Japanese maple have been cultivated over the last few centuries. The Japanese maple is broken into various cultivar groups to help you choose:^{[1]
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- Palmatum group: This species has hand-like leaves with five to seven lobes.
- Dissectum group: This species has deep, finely serrated edges to the leaves. Each leaf has five to nine lobes.
- Linearilobum group: This group has a long and slender lobe with five to seven lobed leaves.
- Most Japanese maples will grow to around 5 meters (16.4 ft) in height and end up with a broad, vase-like crown. The main trunk is usually about 1 meter (3.3 ft) in height and strong.
2
Read the label accompanying your cultivar. There may be specific needs that apply to your particular cultivar that should be followed.

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3
Select free-draining soil of good quality. The soil space should be deep to allow the roots to take hold easily. If you're potting the Japanese maple, ensure that the container is of a decent size, use high quality potting mix and prefer a potting mix containing water crystals.^{[2]
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4
Ensure that there is both sun and shade. A reasonable amount of daily sun is required but Japanese maples don't like hot afternoon sun. Provide adequate afternoon sun shading.^{[3]
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5
Keep the Japanese maple out of direct wind. Wind can damage or dry the tree, so find a sheltered position for it.^{[4]
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6
Keep well watered during warmer months or dry seasons. A good layer of mulching will help to keep the moisture in.^{[5]
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7
Feed regularly. Use a good fertiliser to keep the plant well nourished. Slow-release fertiliser is a good choice for summer time.

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Community Q&A

Question

I've bought a bonsai Japanese maple tree from a store. Is it okay to not make it a bonsai and let it grow to its full size?

Community Answer

Yes. It can be grown as a full-sized tree if it is planted in a larger pot or outside.
Question

Can I dig up a maple when it is dormant?

Community Answer

Yes, and that would be the best time to move it. Winter weather freezes the soil.
Question

How tall will a Japanese maple grow?

Community Answer

It depends on the variety being grown. Some are miniature and some are as tall as 25 feet at maturity.
Question

Why do edges of my Japanese maple's leaves turn brown?

Community Answer

This may be an issue of too much afternoon sun. Many varieties prefer morning sun, then partial or full shade, depending on the variety. Another problem could be insufficient water, check the soil moisture levels.