If you’re looking for a new plant for the patio or garden seating area you won’t go wrong with a maple. Everyone loves an acer and growing a Japanese maple in a pot will give you a beautiful focal point. Not only that, even the most inexperienced gardener will get great results with a maple. And of course, the plant is exceptionally slow growing so they really are ideal for containers and pots.

It won’t take you long to actually pot your maple. You’ll receive your maple fresh from our nursery and all ready to plant. The whole process will probably take you around 30 minutes. Just make sure you’ve got your pot to hand along with suitable compost and some mulch.

To get the best results here’s some hints and tips for growing a Japanese maple in a pot.

1. Choose the right size pot

No surprise that the first thing you need to think about is the container. It's important the pot you choose for your Japanese maple is the right size. As a rule of thumb, the pot should be double the root ball's volume in size. But don’t be tempted to go too big. Too much soil around the root increases the chances that it will become oversaturated, making the plant more susceptible to root rot. Stick to around double the root size and you won’t go wrong. However, you will of course need to re-pot eventually. Finally, a word about the container itself. Don’t opt for a cheap plastic pot. Pots made from natural materials such as ceramic, wood or clay will provide additional aeration and help prevent soggy soil.

2. Make sure your pot has sufficient drainage holes

Japanese maples have shallow roots which require plenty of oxygen, so drainage is really important. As such, try to choose a pot which has several holes in order to prevent waterlogging. You could also sit your pot on feet so water can drain away freely.

3. Compost and mulch

Choose a good quality potting or ericaceous compost. You could possibly add a little sharp sand to aid drainage. When you’ve unpacked your maple and are ready to plant half fill your pot with your compost. Position the plant in the centre of the pot and to a depth equal to the container it arrived in. Next, fill around the maple with the rest of your compost. Add decorative mulch to the top of the pot and water very well. That’s it. You’re ready to go.

4. Think about where you’re going to put the pot

Japanese maples are hardy, but they grow best in a sheltered spot away from strong winds. Green-leaved maples can tolerate the sun, but they are best kept in dappled shade as bright rays could result in scorching, while purple-and red-leaved maples need sun to develop their dark hues (although not too much!). However, variegated Japanese maples will scorch under the sun, so are best kept in the shade to protect their foliage.

5. Re-pot when roots reach the sides

If you notice the maple’s roots have reached the sides and / or bottom of the pot, you need to replant it. To re-pot, you'll need to remove the plant from its current container and find a new pot again making sure the new pot is double the size of the roots.

Signs your Japanese Maple needs repotting include roots at the surface of the soil, roots growing out of the pot's drainage holes and the soil no longer retaining water.

6. Water them regularly

If planted in spring or late summer, Japanese maples will need watering regularly during their first year to help them become established. When the weather is hot, you'll also need to water the pots once a day to prevent their leaves from turning brown and the soil from drying out.

7. Only prune if necessary

Most Japanese maples in a pot have a naturally elegant shape, but they can be pruned if you want to reduce their weight or height. These trees are dormant from November to January, so this is the best time to prune foliage to prevent weakening them. While you shouldn't prune them too much, you can remove crossing or badly-placed shoots to help encourage a good shape and branches to grow.

Bonus tip for growing a Japanese maple in a pot

Make sure the maple you choose to grow in a container is healthy, vigorous and delivered fresh from the nursery. Check out Direct Plants large range of Japanese maples and you’re sure to find the ideal plant for you. All our plants are picked and carefully packed by our expert team and will arrive at your door all ready to be popped into your pot.