Acer palmatum 'Brown Sugar'

Planting Advice for your Acer

• 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.
• 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 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.

Aftercare advice for your Acer

• 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.
• Water regularly and deeply.
• Feed with our specialist Acer feed.
• Mulch every couple of years with well-rotted garden compost or well-rotted manure or leaf mould.

Pruning advice

• Acers generally do not need pruning, just remove any branches that are dead or damaged.