Acers – Do They Grow Better In Pots Or The Ground?

I think most of you will agree Acers make great landscaping plants whether they are growing in the ground or a large pot with their various colour shades. Many acers have vibrant red tones which are so vibrant they can become the main focal feature in your garden. Your eyes automatically are focused on the reds which then turn into other striking autumnal colours.

However, there are many other striking coloured Acers that are just as attractive with their unique and elegant shaped leaves. A white Acer otherwise known as Acer Palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ is a slow growing acer and is different again.

The varieties of Japanese maples with their varied ornamental leaves, are very suitable for planting in beds or grouping along the front of a shrubbery. Acers grow well in chalky districts”

Growing them has become somewhat of a debate on whether they do best in pots or the ground. Many
people say they have both Acers that are thriving well in the ground and in pots. While many people say they find they often do best in pots. According to a flower review article from 1920 on “The varieties of Japanese maples with their varied ornamental leaves, are very suitable for planting in beds or grouping along the front of a shrubbery. Acers grow well in chalky districts”.

Then there are many people who say they grow in most soils and their acers have done extremely well. Perhaps it boils down to the type of Acer you have and what it prefers. Perhaps it’s a combination of the type of soil, species, the amount of light and water.

A few examples of species of Acer give examples on how they are to be looked after and although they are all Acer trees they all require slightly different growing requirements. The Palmatum Atropurpureum is a very popular seller which requires full to partial sunlight and is a slow growing Acer. It produces some wonderful shades of reds and deep purples.

Another type of Acer is a Acer Palmatum Osakazuki which grows between 15”-25”ft tall, it likes moist soil and full to partial sunlight protected away from cold winds. The palmatum Dissectum Viridis Tree is a greener Acer which is slow growing prefers moist and well drained soil but thrives in dappled shade areas.