When planting in a container, it is still wise to focus on small to medium varieties or dwarf forms. Japanese maples “self stunt,” meaning their top growth will decrease when their roots are confined. Many of the smaller varieties are excellent in containers. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves due to lack of chlorophyll) may occur in high-pH soils. If you live in an area with heavy clay soil, planting them slightly elevated is beneficial this will help guard against root rot and disease. Japanese maples are fairly adaptive, but prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils that contain organic matter. ![]() Japanese maples prefer to be in locations protected from strong winds and spring frosts. Either way, make sure there is no threat of frost which can damage a newly planted tree. However, many gardeners also find success planting in the spring. When to plant:įall is an excellent time to plant because it allows the roots of your Japanese maple to get established while the rest of the tree is dormant. Compare the different types of Japanese maples here. Japanese maples offer plenty of diversity. If this isn’t an option, select a cultivar that has a reputation for being a faster-than-average grower, such as Acer palmatum ‘Beni-otake’. If you want an established look right from the start, you can opt to plant an older, larger maple rather than a young one that may take years to mature. Planting them in a spot where they are happy and caring for them well helps maximize their growth rate. They typically grow fastest when they are young and slow down as they reach maturity. Most Japanese maples grow at a slow to moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year. Foliage color:įamous for their phenomenal fall colors, Japanese maples also present purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and greens as well as variegation throughout the growing season. For best color, most maples need a location with part day's sun or at least high light. Too little light, and some of the more colorful varieties will take on a greenish tone - still attractive, but not the brilliant fall color of reds and purples as would be expected. Too much light can damage delicate leaves. Providing the right amount of light can be a balancing act. Varieties from 8 to 30 feet tall and wide. They typically leaf out early in the season and a late cold snap can cause serious damage even to mature specimens. Heat is a consideration, especially in the south, not necessarily for the health of the maple but for its effect on leaf color, causing many purple or red-leaved varieties to “go green” in the summer. When it comes to growing Japanese maples in zone 6 gardens, their care is much the same as other areas, and being deciduous, they go dormant over winter so no extra care is needed.Acer palmatum. Koto-no-ito – 6 to 9 feet (2 to 2.5 m.), its leaves form three long, thin lobes that emerge slightly red in spring, turn green in summer, then turn bright yellow in the fall.Īs you can see, there is no shortage of suitable Japanese maple varieties for zone 6 regions. Its leaves are green in the summer and dazzling red in the fall. Seiryu – 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.5 m.) high, this tree follows a spreading growth habit closer to an American maple. It tolerates heat very well.Īureum – 20 feet (6 m.) tall, this large tree has yellow leaves all through the summer that become edged with red in the fall. Hogyoku – 15 feet (4.5 m.) tall, its green leaves turn bright orange in the fall. ![]() Shindeshojo – 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.5 m.), this tree’s small leaves go from pink in the spring to green/pink in the summer to bright red in the fall.Ĭoonara Pygmy – 8 feet (2.5 m.) tall, this tree’s leaves emerge pink in spring, fade to green, then burst into orange in the fall. Inaba-shidare – Reaching 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 m.) tall and usually a little wider, this tree’s delicate leaves are deep red in the summer and shocking red in the fall.Īka Shigitatsu Sawa – 7 to 9 feet (2 to 2.5 m.) tall, this tree’s leaves are a medley of red and green in the summer and bright red in the fall. Its large, layered leaves stay green through spring and summer then change to purple and red in the fall. ![]() Mikawa Yatsubusa – A dwarf tree that reaches only 3 to 4 feet (1 m.) in height. Its delicate leaves are green through spring and summer but turn stunning shades of red and yellow in the fall. Waterfall – A short tree at 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 m.), this Japanese maple gets its name from the domed, cascading shape of its branches. Here are some of the best zone 6 Japanese maples: Keep reading to learn more about cold-hardy Japanese maples and the best Japanese maple varieties for zone 6. They’re also relatively cold hardy and most varieties will thrive in cold weather. Then when the fall does come, their leaves become even more vibrant. They tend to stay relatively small, and their summer color is something usually only seen in the fall. Japanese maples are outstanding specimen trees.
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