Choosing position for Acer Dissectum in container.

janer2

I have just planted an Acer Dissectum into a pot and I am trying to decide where to put it. As far as I have read including on old threads on here, position is really important.  It's in a very big pot. My garden is south facing. I have two main options which are: 

- against an east facing wooden fence. Gets a reasonable amount of morning sun and is in light shade the rest of the day. This is the most sheltered position from the wind, as it is next to a shed which breaks the wind. 

- Against a south facing brick wall. This gets a lot of sun. Can be reasonably sheltered as I can tuck it in a corner.

I guess what I'm unsure about is how much sun it needs and whether it's better to avoid morning sun or strong afternoon sun (or both)?  And how much wind is bad for it? 

Thanks for any thoughts. 

Nanny Beach

Yup, Verdon has nailed it, they dislike hot sun or windy conditions. They get "wind burn".  I did use ericaecous compost, got some plants from big nursery thats what the recomended.  Shame because I have a lovelly little Japanese bit, but they arent happy there.

janer2

Haha! I'm totally sure, i bought this one myself ? 

Thanks v much for the advice. I've got it against the east facing fence at the moment so i'll leave it there. 

I hope the pot will be ok But will look into those other plants mentioned as that would be quite easy to do. It's in a mix of john innes no 3 and ericaceous so I'm hoping it'll be alright ? 

Fairygirl

It's actually lack of moisture at certain times of year (mainly spring and summer)  that causes leaves to frazzle at the ends, so make sure it doesn't dry out - that's the single most important thing. 

They're best in dappled shade too. Like Camellias - early morning sun after frost can be an issue, so shelter it from that sort of position - other planting, walls and fences etc will do that. It's the  of the prevailing wind that matters, so look at the various areas in your garden and choose the best one according to your own site. Wind can be drying as well as damaging so take that into account. Just saying east or west etc can be misleading, as you can create the right area for an acer in any garden and in any aspect. 

They're perfectly happy in sunnier spots if they have those prime requirements. 

Allotment Boy

Said this before but remember where they come from. Japan is very mountainous and the north especially has very cold winters. The advice about keeping the roots moist but not wet is ideal. At least with a potted specimen you can move it around to find the ideal spot.

Fairygirl

I didn't mean 'build' a wall or fence! I meant use what is already in your garden  

Sorry if it seemed ambiguous. 

If you consider what the climate up here in Scotland is like, and that we can grow Acers extremely well , that will give you some clues 

Plenty of rain, plenty of wind and plenty of cold, and sun that's rarely too hot. Some of those things work against you. Make the drainage sharp if there's plenty of rain. Make the shelter adequate  if there's plenty of wind. The cold soil isn't an issue really ( and they don't need acid soil - neutral is fine)  - they're tougher than most people realise. As Iain says - they're not from warmer climes, so consider that when choosing a site. 

Coastal locations are always more difficult for them (salty, drying winds)  as Verdun has indicated. It's really the old standard  of - right plant, right place, but if you haven't got that naturally, that's the beauty of pots, as you can move them to the right spot. Acers are also great pot specimens, unlike many other shrubs and plants, so it's nearly always possible to grow them whatever your location or conditions  

janer2

Thanks for all the advice, this site is amazing!

i can get some Perlite and add to the pot if that would help. Havent used it before!

Nanny Beach

Ah, just going to move to Japan,then!!!

punkdoc

Extra grit would be as good as perlite and a lot cheaper too.