Acer Shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’

Bluebelltime

I bought an Acer Shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’ and want to pot it up.  What's the best compost mix ?

Athelas

I think the main thing is not to solely use the standard ericaceous compost sold in garden centres, as acers need some loam in containers.

On https://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/tree/japanese-maple/container-grow.php, John Innes ericaceous compost is recommended (a loam-based mix different to standard ericaceous compost).

Another site suggests 1/3 multipurpose compost, 1/3 ericaceous compost, 1/3 John Innes No. 1 or 2, and a pound or more of horticultural grit or sharp sand (or a good handful of vermiculite or perlite) — https://www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk/?p=7001.

I recently potted up a Shaina and followed the latter because I had those materials already… well John Innes No. 3 but hey ho.

Some other things to note are to use rainwater as much as possible to water acers in pots, to use pot feet for optimum drainage and to avoid siting pots in windy/cold/harsh sun areas.

Bluebelltime

Brilliant! Thank you!