Container for Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' - Knowledgebase Question

West Hills, CA
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Question by mamata
March 23, 2006
Is it better to plant this in the soil rather than a container?
If using a container for a young 3-4ft tree, what size container should I use, expecting it to mature to it's full size in the pot?
How long does it take to get to full size? Do's and don'ts for container gardening for this tree.

Thanks.


Image
Answer from NGA
March 23, 2006
Because they do not have terribly vigorous roots, Japanese maples are naturals for container culture and bonsai.

The most important cultural practice is to keep the soil at an even moisture level. Slightly moist is best, but slightly dry will be tolerated as long as it is consistent. Although virtually all Japanese maples do very well in containers, even soil moisture is somewhat harder to maintain in pots, so care should be taken. Container-grown trees will be smaller than ground-grown ones, but maples do not have aggressive roots, and are quite content to stay in pots indefinitely, so long as constant soil moisture is maintained, and the pots are insulated against very cold and very hot temperatures. Avoid black pots in summer sun.

Plant your Crimson Queen in a reasonably large container - 30-gallon is a good size; a half-whiskey barrel is perfect.

Best wishes with your Crimson Queen.

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