The Japanese maple guide is a distillation of all the knowledge I’ve gained from over thirty years of growing Japanese maples, but not all of them successfully! Mostly, it’s been a case of trial and error as, even before the internet, information on growing them properly was patchy to say the least and at times totally misleading. Sadly, even with the advent of all human knowledge only a keystroke away (!), nothing much has changed and I still see the same errors and poor observation as when I first started growing them.
This guide, then, is my contribution to setting the record straight when it comes to growing Japanese maples properly and, although some of the techniques I describe and statements I make might sound alien or even contradict your own view on growing them, they work. I know they work because I had to learn the hard way; they’re not cheap and when it affects your pocket you can either give up or figure it out as quickly as possible before you kill your next plant!
A point worth remembering is that although I don’t live in the same town as you, the information I’ve published here is still relevant to your specific needs. It doesn’t matter where you live, you’re still growing a non-native plant and as such we all have to provide the same or similar requirements to that found in it’s native environment for it to thrive.
One thing that will be immediately noticeable as you look round is the fact that not all the posts are made in chronological order. Although there is a right time and a wrong time to do specific tasks, Japanese maples will accept a certain amount of flexibility and also I have to think back to my early days to come up with subjects that I feel need addressing. As more posts are added, you will be able to pick and choose from the archive depending on your needs for a particular time of year and hopefully find the answer to your problem. If you can’t, you can always ask!
I hope you find the information in this guide helpful and that it makes the difference between growing a mediocre plant and growing a perfect specimen that’s an asset to your garden. If you feel moved to show your appreciation, you’re more than welcome to make a donation to help with the upkeep of this site!