Red Pygmy Maple
by
Donna N
+3
I recently purchased a Red Pygmy Maple and was planning on putting it in my new flowerbed in the lower East part of my yard. When the tree was delivered (UPS), it was in horrible shape. The box was crushed, soil was spilled out of the small container and the tree was wilted and mostly brown. Happy to say it is doing great now but I have some concerns because some websites say they tolerate sun well (which is what it will be getting) and others say it needs afternoon shade. So, my question is, when I plant it this fall will the sunny spot be ok? I don't want to kill it! Anyone have suggestions??
6 answers
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Everything I've read suggests this cultivar of Japanese maple does pretty well in the sun as long as it gets adequate water. I'm tagging @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on this, though, because she's the queen of Japanese maples.
Douglas Hunt
on Jun 29, 2013
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well thank you @Douglas Hunt , but I don't know 'bout all that. :) When ever the information comes from the net, you need to factor in where the information is originating vs where you are actually located. For instance many plants can take full sun up in Pennsylvania that must be protected in the full sun here in the Atlanta area. Even plants in California same zone behave differently than the ones in Georgia. My best advice for you baby Japanese Maple is that this is a long term relationship not a seasonal interest. Keep it in the pot next year (move to a larger pot if it out grows the pot) Dig a hole somewhat larger than the pot in the place you want to ultimately place the tree. line it with a neutral ph mulch and place the tree in the pot in the hole you have created. This keeps the roots cool and the tree from wanting to root through the drainage holes and much easier to relocate if you have to move it. Do this before it leafs out next spring. Don't just leave the pot on top of the ground. Keeping the roots cool and mimicking the environment you will have it in is important. Keep a very close eye on it once it gets hot, pay attention to the roots and don't let it dry out to the point of desiccating the roots. Remember, you have it isolated in a pot so it can't go out and collect rain water. If you have a long run of hot weather and you notice leaf burn, pull it out and put in the shade(keeping the roots cool) until the hot run is over. You will be gradually acclimating your baby to the sunny area, and if it won't take the sunnier area, you will know.Then you make another choice and start again! But this method protects the tree and reduces the stress if you do have to move it around. It won't hurt the tree to leave it in the pot as long as you increase the pot size so that it does not get root bound.
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Jun 29, 2013
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The sun in the Fall is less intense as the Summer sun. And it really depends on where you are located in the world like what Donna has explained.
Anna
on Jun 29, 2013
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Thank you @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) Great advice. One more question though....how to I over winter it? Do I bring it indoors or keep it in the five gallon bucket outdoors?
Donna N
on Jun 29, 2013
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I would try to leave it there. But apply the same thought as the summer time, if you are getting extreme cold 25 or lower for an extended period of time I would bring it into the garage or basement, but not in the house. You don't want a huge temp fluctuation which might trigger spring sap rise. Oh, I forgot to say above to be sure to have good drainage in your pot, but you most likely already know that.
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Jun 29, 2013
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http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/237/ there is a good article on Japanese maples....from all I have read the ones with red leaves like morning sun but prefer shade in the hot afternoon sun.
Glenna Kennedy
on Jun 29, 2013
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