Novice needing help

Dee dee

Hi, can someone help me with a shrub problem i have?

I love Japanese  Acers and bought 4 different ones, 1 didnt take when i repotted it, 1 is not growing as well as the other 2 who have outgrown the tubs,

I feed them  with growmore  and make sure they are well watered,  though in Scotland the weather does that for me,

Is there anything  i can do to rescue the poorly one? 

Also i have a fabulous  lace lady, i planted 5 yrs ago, i havent trimmed it back since i got it as i have no idea how too, help please.

Thanks in advance Dee 

hogweed

There are all different varieties of acer and a lot will depend on which variety you have which will control how quickly/big they grow. You may not be doing anything wrong but certainly Growmore is not really the best to use for plants in tubs. And they shouldn't need feeding if you have repotted them with new compost. You only need to feed a potted plant if they have been in the same pot/soil for a few years and then it is best to use a liquid feed. 

Most acers like a dappled shade area out of strong winds as the foliage can get scorched. Pot them using JI no. 2 or 3. 

Not sure what a lace lady is - what is its proper name?

Dee dee

Thanks  for the reply, im not much of a gardner, i plant in tubs as i am disabled and cant get down to tne garden, i cant remember the names of the acers  i repotted them in May with fresh peat based compost,   im not sure if the weather this summer has anything to do with  the one that was in a different part of the garden not growing as well, but will keep my fingers crossed it survives the winter, i will shelter it  and invest in liquid feed for next yr, its funny though as the 2 that have came on well have been in full sun when its been out,  the lacelady is also called Robinia pseudoacacia, its beautiful with twisted leaves and branches,   Its supposed to have a white fragrant flower  but mine hasnt had any in 5 yrs, thats why i was thinking of trimming it back in March when i do my buddleia bushes, 

Thanks again for the reply 

hogweed

Robin is is a tree so don't think it will flower in a pot. You could trim it lightly at the end of the year if it is getting a bit straggly.

Allotment Boy

Yes Robinia psudoacacia is a forest tree so you have effectively Bonsai  it. Do not put it in the ground though, they grow to 25M (80ft) AND they sucker like mad! Don't I know it- we had one as a street tree outside our house until 2 years ago I am still battling the suckers in my front garden now

Rant over- Good advice from Hogweed re: Acers peat based compost is not really suitable for Acers in a pot long term.

Dee dee

Hi Iain, thanks for replying, my lace lady has been in the ground for 4 yrs and is still only 2.5ft high, it was sold as a dwarf plant in Dobbies garden centre, i have not had any problem with suckers, so fingers crossed, i will leave the acers till next  season to repot in peat free compost as i only repotted last week, 

Thank you all for your help and advice, 

Dee 

Borderline

In regards to the Robinia Pseudoacacia Lady Lace, it's one of the least likely one to flower. They are usually few and far between, and you may need to prune your tree every year to encourage new branch growth to get multiple branches. Without seeing your tree, it's hard to say why you have not seen the almost insignificant flowers.

I think Iain is describing another one that does sucker often, but your one is grown for interest of the twigs and leaves, particularly for flower arranging and the form in winter time. Make sure they do get a bit of sun, and when established, they will do fine on neglected soil.