Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Phoenix'

Planting Advice for Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Phoenix':

• Winter hardy and low maintenance 'Phoenix' prefers a spot in semi-shade (will tolerate full sun, but avoid bright, direct exposure).
• If your soil is slightly acidic, then you have the perfect conditions to grow Japanese maples - however do not worry if you have not as most can be grown in other soils as long as they are not wet, dry or very alkaline.
  If growing in a pot, use a 50/50 mix of ericaceous and multipurpose compost if you can - although again don't worry overly about this.
• Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated as long as the plant is well watered.
  Avoid exposed places as leaves can suffer with windburn (scorch), especially if the plant is dry.
• Allow your Japanese Maple to get used to a whole day in the sun by starting it off in the shade, then standing it in its final sunny spot (in pot or in the garden soil) for one hour longer every day for a week.
• If planting in the garden, prepare a wide hole and loosen the soil with a fork, incorporating organic matter as needed to improve moisture retention and condition. Plant your Acer palmatum so that the top of the root ball is just slightly below ground level.
• Fill the planting hole with soil and heel well in. Water well.
• If growing in containers, use a soil-based compost such as John Innes No 2 or a good quality ericaceous compost.
• Keep the compost evenly moist, (but not soaking) and feed in spring and early summer with a slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed such as our specialist acer feed.
• Your Acer will need repotting into a slightly bigger container every couple of years in April or September.
  Wrap containers with bubble wrap in winter to protect the roots.

Aftercare Advice for your Phoenix Acer:

• Keep plants well-watered, especially if grown in a pot, and feed with our specialist acer feed

Pruning Advice for your Japanese Maple:

• Pruning is not necessary but can be done in late summer or early autumn if needed to remove dead or damaged branches.