Who knows about Acers please?

Benchwayze · 31 Jul 2015

Hi folks,

Now my garden has been 'cleared' of invasive brambles and clematis from next door, I have a couple of empty spaces to fill in my rockery.
I could make a case for Acer palmatum 'Katsura', especially by the patio, but I don't have an acid soil. I can grow this in a container, but prefer to put it in the soil.

Would it be okay to dig a hole, fill it with some acidic compost, and dress it from time to time afterwards?

http://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/acer ... tsura.html

Thanks folks

John

RogerP · 31 Jul 2015

We have a Japanese Maple growing in our Cotswold clay soil which is far from acidic. We take no special care of it. It's about twelve feet tall and six foot wide and very healthy looking. I don't think many of these so called "acid lovers" can actually be that fussy.

Benchwayze · 31 Jul 2015

Thanks Roger.

I have a mature Acer Palmatum that's in fine fettle. Daughter-in-law tried to be helpful a couple of years ago, and pruned it! When she'd finished, the shrub looked like a stunted Bonsai!. It's recovered and I think in a couple of years, I shall see it back to its full size, and weeping nicely again. I think I will try one of these acers next to it, at the edge of the lawn. Should look nice in a few years; albeit I will have to hang on like the grim-proverbial to see it!

Thanks again
John

MMUK · 31 Jul 2015

Did you not see the Acer in mom n dad's garden just outside the workshop last time you popped over John? That started as a humble £20 pot plant about 12 years ago. It grew very quickly once planted properly and gets no additional treatment.

dickm · 31 Jul 2015

Was wondering about the acid soil comment - didn't think those acers were particularly acid-loving. So looked up the RHS on this, (https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/94932/Ace ... 29/Details) and that says neutral to acid soil, but suggests it's OK even in chalk.
But they don't really like the cold winds up here

; our soil is pretty acid, so may even be too acid for it.

MikeH · 31 Jul 2015

I am pretty certain that on Gardeners World from one of the big shows, possibly Tatton Park, just a few weeks back they interviewed one of the acer growers. I am almost certain he stated that it is myth that acers need acid soil. I think he said they need neutral just slightly on the acid side.