A deeper look at Japanese maples

Everything looks good as a miniature. With plants, it becomes truer since the small size accentuates the striking color and features. The best example would be a Japanese maple tree. Maple trees have always been intriguing with their palm-shaped, pointed leaves. With the popularity of Japanese maple trees, you are bound to see at least one in a nook or corner. The variety of colors and sizes makes them more accessible. Be it a large land or a small container, you can always grow a Japanese maple tree and enjoy its vibrant foliage. Moreover, a deeper look at Japanese maples reveals that they thrive best in the fall season and that too in the shade. Could there be a piece of better news? This means that you do not have to go searching for a species that would complement your garden in the fall. The Japanese Maple has got you covered. The best part is that Japanese maples provide breathtaking results in all seasons. The characteristic color in fall, charming flowers in spring, and beautiful foliage in summer are just a few to name. Read on to have a deeper look at Japanese maples and their requirements.

What makes Japanese maples different than Regular Maples?

The most prominent difference would be the size. While a normal maple tree grows to a height of 33- 148 feet in height, a Japanese maple tree strictly ranges somewhere between 20 feet. This gives rise to a small, pretty shrub-sized tree, much like a bonsai. If you are a fan of small-sized Japanese tree art, this is the best opportunity to indulge in it. Japanese maples do not require a ton of maintenance and grow healthily in almost all kinds of environments. They can grow in full sun, partial shade, and give you leaves of all colors. The leaves are lobe-shaped but much smaller in size. Therefore, it is sometimes hard to identify them. Nevertheless, the beauty of this species is something to remember. The cost is slightly on the higher side, and it should be. After all, a Japanese maple is not something you can find everywhere. They are specially grafted and take more time to grow to their full form. This makes them hard to find, in turn increasing the cost factor.

How to care for Japanese Maples?

Japanese maples require a bit more considerations for their growth. The reason being they are not commonly found. However, with the right practices, you can grow your own maples in your backyard that forces every passerby to stop and swoon over it. In Japan, they are still grown according to the old Japanese tradition of planting these welcoming autumn trees on the western side, from where the autumn is believed to start. These are a few basic pointers to keep in mind when planting Japanese maples.

1. Where to plant?

The most essential aspect of choosing a location for these plants is the light it receives. Ideally, your chosen spot should have partial shade or at least sunlight that does not fall directly. It is the light that determines the color of the beautiful foliage Japanese maples are famous for. Furthermore, make sure your plant does not come in contact with strong, gusty winds and frost. The delicate features would not be able to withstand such harsh conditions.

2. When to plant?

There is no hard and fast rule regarding the season. However, as a general rule of thumb, Japanese maples grow best when planted in the fall and deteriorate in the frost. Spring is also a good time to plant these beauties so you can duly enjoy the crimson, violet, golden and red leaves. You can plant them in the ground or a container, as you please. Of course, if you opt for a container, make sure you choose a dwarf species to go with it, so there are no future problems.

3. How much Water and Fertilizer?

It is a well-established fact that Japanese maples produce foliage all year round with differences in color and form. They are still recognized as fall species due to their characteristic fall colors and tendency to grow best in that season. They can survive dry spells but do not make them go through them frequently. Water the plants regularly but take care of not overwatering them. Moreover, fertilize only when planting and before the start of a new season. Excessive fertilizing may make your plant lose the fall colors.  

3 astounding Japanese Maples to plant:

1. Orangeola

If you want to experience a wonderful color transition that is bound to leave you in awe, try the Orangeola Japanese maple tree. This exotic species is capable of changing its foliage colors from green in spring to purple in summer and orange in fall. They grow well in sunny areas, giving beautiful lacy leaves. The tree grows only 10 feet in height. It is neither too dense nor stratified. The perfect dimensions make it one of the favorite and most popular species.

2. Emperor one 

A lot like the conventional maple trees with red leaves, Emperor one provides vibrant red and orange shaded foliage. They are the fastest-growing Japanese maples, with an average of 2 feet per year. With a total height of 10 feet, it is also included in the dwarf species. It can grow in full sun as well as partial shade without any strict restrictions. Emperor one is similar to the traditional Bloodgood maple species in shape and color.

3. Green cascade

Also known as Full moon maple, green cascade produces variety just like its name. The green-colored spring leaves turn to a beautiful shade of yellow in fall. The lush green foliage grows with a shape outfits own. You can grow it in small and large places alike. They require a minimum amount of maintenance and can grow in shade and full sun. Japanese maples are a wonderful addition to your garden. They may be hard to find since their growing period is relatively long, but it would be totally worth getting them.