Acer palmatum
I bought an acer palmatum today because it was cheap and will put it in a container for a while. This is not the problem.
I noticed on the label that it ultimately grows to 8mx8m!
The thing is, I had one that outgrew its container so I bunged it in a bed at the end of the patio on a live or die basis. It thrived and looks great.
My question is, do all acer palmatums grow to this size? Mine's a green one. It'll be fine for a good few years yet, but should I be doing anything to stunt its growth?
In London. Keen but lazy.
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Hi B3. Japanese acers are relatively slow growing. I have grown acer palmatum from the seeds of my adult tree - which is now 20 years old and only about 3m high - and they live happily in pots. They are about 60cm high. If you keep the tree in a pot it should stay quite small for a long time. Its almost like growing them as a large bonsai.
Hi B3. The straight Acer palmatum, green or purple, does grow into an elegant tree eventually - quite wide spreading, and yes - maybe 8m when mature. But the named cultivars are often a lot smaller, especially the cut-leaved ('dissectum') ones, which are good in a pot. I'd always check a good website or book for eventual height rather than believing the label which comes with the plant (especially if it's from a Dutch nursery - their info labels tend to be generic rather than specific to the cultivar/variety you've bought).
It was the one in the ground I wasa bit worried about. I assume in 20years time I will have other things or nothing to worry about
Thanks ladybird
And thanks liriodendron. It's not a cutleaf one but the leaves are quite small. Will see if I can find it on Google
Aym, This is what I was wondering. It's got a good shape at the moment and the size is not a problem - yet.
I'm afraid mine is already in the ground. It's been there for a few years. It's about 6ft wide and 4ft high. It's not causing any problems at the moment. I foolishly assumed it was some kind of dwarf tree. Got a bit of a fright when I realised the ultimate dimensions
A veritable forest, Aym
Well done!
I think I'll enjoy it until it becomes a nuisance and then follow your advice although I don't really understand the jacket potato thing, I do understand hard pruning!
Will take a picture of mine and post it.
Here it is. If you see any twiggy bits it's a glaucous rose that's losing the survival of the fittest contest but just about hanging in there. I will have to get another as it is one of my favourite plants
I agree aym. The one I bought yesterday will be kept under strict control. It was less than £3 and couldn't resist.