Some kinds of Japanese maple can handle a lot of sunlight, especially those that have green and purple leaves. Some trees' leaves may only turn red when they get a lot of direct sunlight.
Many people wonder whether Acers can survive in direct sunlight. Keep them out of direct sunlight and wind since this can dry and burn the leaves. Thus, they require some space to thrive.
Japanese acers are simple to cultivate in pots if your soil is ideal. All Japanese maples can grow well in a mix of sun and shade. The Sangu Kaku, also called the coral bark maple, is a beautiful tree all year long, but in the winter and spring, when the branches are bare, they shine. Only the dissectum type of Japanese maple stands up straight.
Do Acers Like Sun Or Shade? - Where It Perform Best?
Most Acer species are sun-loving. In contrast, brighter, golden-hued types are grown in shaded areas to prevent sun exposure. Many species of these plants can live in full sunlight but do better with some partial shade and short bursts of direct sunlight.
But there are a few beautiful Acer species that, while they can grow in the shade like to spend the whole day in the warm summer sun. Some examples are Beni-Otake, Atropurpureum, Kagiri-Nishiki, and Bloodgood.
If you want to plant the Acer where it will get full light, there are a few aspects to consider since more hard work is required for the tree. Acers are trees with shallow roots that are often hurt by drought. But if they are put somewhere where they get direct sunlight, they will have to deal with longer periods of drought.
To keep the Acer happy, you should make sure to water it on a regular schedule. You can also keep the soil moist for longer by spreading mulch around your Acer. Because it is dry, the tips of the leaves can also get burned by the sun. For these reasons, the soil should have a moisture level between damp and waterlogged. If their leaves get wet, they can also get burned by the sun.
Can You Grow Acers In The Shade?
Trees like acers can thrive in partial shade. This tree favors scattered shade over the full sun and grows organically at the forest's boundary. The one thing to remember is that autumn leaves are less vivid in a strongly shadowed area.
Even though acers are tolerant trees that can live even in the shade, they do best when planted in a partly shaded area where they are safe from the sun's heat and can show off their beautiful fall leaves.
They need around 4-5 hours of daily sunlight, so if your preferred location doesn't get that much light, don't worry. They'll flourish even more, and the leaves won't become too hot in the sun.
It's simply that you could miss out on seeing all of the vibrant colors like orange, crimson, and purple that it offers.
Plants of this kind are often used in residential gardens and landscaping. However, they need regular watering and attention to flourish. This evergreen species may reach a height of 10 feet. They are linked to the olive tree and originate in the Mediterranean. Flowers from an Acer tree may transform your yard into a riot of color. They also have a fresh, delightful scent found in their blossoms.
What Advantages Do Acer Trees Provide?
The various advantages of Acer trees have made them highly sought after.
- They provide a lot more shade because of their large crowns, but they are still one of the least expensive options.
- Acer trees are known for their fast growth, ability to bounce back from problems, and ability to fight off diseases and pests.
- Nearly everywhere in the globe, people count on these trees to be there year after year.
- One of the greatest trees for novices and pros alike, Acer trees have been increasing for decades.
Caring Tips For Acers Plants
- Acers with green or pale leaves do best in partial shade but not complete darkness.
- For the purple leaves of acers to keep their vibrant color throughout the summer, you should move them to a sunny location.
- Keep the soil wet and weed-free by covering it with a layer of mulch such as leaf mold or bark chips.
- Avoid letting the soil dry since this may cause the leaf margins to darken.
- The use of terracotta pots, which rapidly lose their moisture, is avoided in favor of glazed ceramic pots.
- Seven, every 1-2 years in the springtime, report acers that have grown in containers but just into a little larger container.
- Protect plants from snow and rain by placing pots on bricks.
- Use a complete fertilizer once a year on these trees planted in containers.
Best Location For Planting Acers?
These trees need full sun, regular watering, and loose, well-draining soil to grow. They can handle a little frost, but too much cold is bad for them. During the dry months, Acer trees need to be watered every day and should be put in places that get a maximum of 4 hours of sunlight every day. With the right care, an Acer tree can live for 30 years. Even though Acer trees don't need much care or attention, they do better when near plants that do well in dry, sunny conditions, like cacti or succulents.
When Is The Optimal Time To Plant An Acer?
Don't plant these trees if the soil is too wet. Acer trees are planted when the soil is neither frozen nor too dry. There is a simpler method than attempting to grow these trees off the seed, which is a tough and time-consuming process.
Young plants, which are planted outside immediately, are available in garden centers and on the internet. Planting them in the early spring or late fall is ideal. The soil will not get too dry because of the current weather conditions. Even with the greatest garden spade, digging a hole large enough when the earth isn't frozen is much simpler.
Soil Type Recommendations
When learning to take care of these trees, remember that they like neutral to acidic soil.
If the soil in your yard is acidic, it will be harder to grow these trees there than in a pot. Use ericaceous compost in your planters. Make sure they drain well and water them often. The 'Garnet plant with purple leaves and the 'Bi Ho' plant with burgundy tips are both great choices for container gardening.
Conclusion
These trees are lovely, and it would be a great pleasure to have one of them in your garden. We've learned that a few different tree types that can thrive in bright sunlight. On the other hand, other types can exist in shady area.
