Looking for an Acer

I am looking for an Acer to plant directly in the ground (as opposed to a container). The garden is very small and I would like something which is colourful, low and doesn't spread too wide. What should I be looking for, please?



Sally

 

Hi So much choice



I love the red ones so Acer Palmatum Ara Tara, orange shade Bonfire , Pixie.

Like the shade mid day and hate a cold wind . Great for a large pot John Inns no3 add more grit if the pot is large they can stay in it for years like a large bonsai I supose



Hope this helps but like I have already said so much choice but the above three are realy good ones if you can track them down its worth the hunt

Now is a good time to get your hands on some

Spruce

 

I've recently bought an Acer Palmatum Dissectum and Acer Palmatum Orange Dream. I've put them both in containers for the time being as I'm new to the garden and not sure how much sun we'll eventually get.

Just wondering, should I be keeping them in part shade right now? They're currently getting sun (when it's out!) for the entire afternoon and they seem to be doing well but I don't want to expose them to too much if it'll hurt the leaves.

I've wanted acers for years so want to do everything I can to make them happy!

 

Don't know where abouts you are (you haven't filled in your Location), but I presume they are not in leaf yet?

Thus I don't think the weak Spring sun will hurt, and may actually bring them on a bit sooner.

But I'm no Acer expert. It might be, for example, that sun onto buds heavy with frost can damage them (as it does with Camellia flower buds, for example)

 

Thanks to you both.

Armandii - they're quite sheltered where they are but I was thinking of buying something extra in case we have another cold snap.

Kristen - I'm in the south east of the UK. I thought the spring sun would probably be OK but just wanted to check. I suppose while they seem to be thriving I shouldn't worry.

 

Hello sally
One of my favorite acers is acer inazuma, the wonderfully named thunder maple : ) Its leaves r deep red when they emerge in the spring , they get a tad greeny in the summer but it does't show if u r laying in the grass underneath one looking up thru the leaves and when the leaves lose theirr green tinge in the autumn its red all the way.
Its not a low growing acer but it has a tendency to arch and the branches droop a little which makes it quite graceful. Its not hugely vigorous and wont take over a small garden.
The problem with the moundy dissectum varieties is that they do tend to grow outwards instead of upwards. It takes time but they sneak up on you and all of a sudden u realise its snuck two,three,four feet out over your lawn or that something that was planted near it has disappeared only to find it struggling away under the embrace of your acer ! : )
As they say , the worst thing for an acer is a windy position but as long as u can avoid winds and have well drained soil(this is key too), u will probably be surprised how tough they can be.
There is a very good acer nursery in north wales that grow their stock in the fields , srry can't remember the name- they were R.H.S.show exhibitors last time I looked if thats any help !!

 

Have a look at the variety of acers available, and their habits, on my website at:
http://www.fujiyamagarden.com/page17.html

 

Thanks whis4ey they are all so attractive.

Sally

 

Sorry! I meant something protective. :o