Acer Palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’

Choose a sunny or semi shaded position that is protected from cold winds and hard spring frosts. The delicate leaves may scorch in strong sunlight so avoid particularly hot situations. Japanese Maple trees prefer a fertile, moist but well drained neutral to acid soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost prior to planting. Plant bare root Acers at the same depth as they were previously planted. Backfill the planting hole and water well to settle the soil. Alternatively plant Acers in large patio containers in a soil based compost such as John Innes No.3.

Feed and water container grown plants regularly throughout the growing season. In autumn, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of border grown plants. Japanese maples require little pruning other than to maintain their shape and remove damaged and dead stems in late autumn.