These are my tips about growing Japanese maples in containers. Five or six years ago, I bought a Japanese maple in a pot. Each year, it grows more beautiful.
Years ago I had a gardening magazine with an article about growing trees in containers. The idea intrigued me. But somewhere along the way, I lost or threw out the magazine.
A tree I’d always longed to grow is a Japanese maple tree. One day when I was at the nursery, I walked around and looked at them. The price for Japanese maple trees started around $69. 99.
So I walked around the nursery thinking about it. After some consideration that day, I purchased a Japanese maple tree to put on my patio.
I ordered a slightly larger pot and transplanted it into that pot. After that, I put it on a plant dolly so I could move it easily if I needed to.
During the summer, the leaves on my Japanese maple tree that I had grown in a pot told me that the sun was too strong. So I moved it into partial shade.
Then I moved to the apartment you see below. I have more of a shaded yard here, whereas I had so much sun at my last home.
The Japanese maple tree is happier here. It gets filtered sunlight in the morning hours and that seems to be just what it needs.
Japanese maple trees are admired for their graceful form brilliant foliage colors and ability to thrive in containers. With hundreds of cultivars available, choosing the best Japanese maple for your container can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for container growing and provide tips to help you succeed.
Why Choose a Japanese Maple for a Container?
Japanese maples are naturally smaller, slower-growing trees perfect for container culture. Their non-invasive roots won’t outgrow a pot quickly. Maples add beauty to patios, decks, and entryways in a compact space. Their colorful, delicate foliage provides stunning interest through three seasons.
Many compact and dwarf varieties of Japanese maple are ideal for container growing. Full-size trees can also grow in containers for some years before needing more space. You can conveniently relocate container maples to modify your landscape’s look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Japanese Maple for a Container
When it comes to picking the perfect Japanese maple for a container, there’s a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. I know – who knew there was so much to think about when choosing a tree, right? But getting the right match here will make sure your maple thrives.
First up, consider growth rate. Look for ones described as dwarf, meaning slow growing. These compact dwarf Japanese maples are ideal for life in a pot. Quick growing varieties will outpace your container size fast, giving you a messy situation.
Next, pay attention to mature size. Look at the expected height and width at 10 years old. Smaller maple varieties in the 5-8 feet range are your best bets. Anything larger is going to need more root space than a container can provide long-term.
Here’s a quick table to illustrate ideal sizes:
| Type | Mature Height | Good for Containers? |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | under 10 feet | ✅ Yes |
| Medium | 10-15 feet | ✅ Maybe |
| Large | over 15 feet | ❌ No |
Now comes the fun part – picking leaf colors and shapes you love! This is where the varied foliage of Japanese maples really shines.
- Do you want delicate, hand-shaped leaves or finely dissected, laceleaf types?
- What about bold splashes of red or golden Japanese maple varieties?
- Or how about multi-colored variegated varieties for maximum interest?
Choose wisely here, as you’ll be looking at these leaves for a long time.
Finally, factor in sun exposure and cold hardiness. Check the tag or description to see how much sun your maple needs and which USDA Hardiness Zone it can tolerate. Some handle full sun fine, while variegated Japanese maples usually need some shade. And make sure it’s rated for your area’s winter temperatures if you plan to keep it outdoors.
See, that wasn’t so bad! Just a few tips to find your perfect potted maple. Now the fun part comes—picking from the many amazing options. Keep these key factors in mind, and you’ll find your ideal container maple.
Best Compact Japanese Maple Varieties for Containers
Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’
This dwarf, rounded maple stays under 2 feet tall and wide. The small, deeply cut green leaves emerge red in spring, turning brilliant crimson-red in fall ‘Shaina’ is one of the hardiest Japanese maples.
Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa yatsubusa’
Also called yatsubusa this extremely compact mounding maple grows just 1-2 feet tall and wide. The green summer foliage turns golden-orange to scarlet in fall. Its naturally compact form makes it perfect for containers.
Acer palmatum ‘Caperci Dwarf’
Rarely exceeding 2 feet tall and wide, this dwarf maple has red new growth that fades to green by summer. The fall color is a mix of orange and red. The naturally dense, mounded form suits container culture well.
Acer palmatum ‘Wilson’s Pink Dwarf’
This aptly named dwarf maple reaches just 1-3 feet tall and wide. Its new leaves emerge salmon pink, fade to green, then turn shades of orange and red in fall. The compact habit and striking leaf colors make it ideal for containers.
Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Maiko’
A mounded dwarf maple topping out around 3 feet tall and wide. ‘Beni-Maiko’ unfurls deep burgundy-red spring leaves that fade to speckled green and red in summer before turning red again in fall.
Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’
‘Butterfly’ boasts leaves edged and splashed in white and pink. This small upright maple grows slowly, topping out around 5 feet, with gracefully spreading branches. The variegated foliage provides unique interest in containers.
Weeping and Cascading Types for Pots
Weeping Japanese maples offer flowing cascades of lace-like foliage perfect for container planting. Try one of these compact varieties:
- Acer palmatum ‘Orangeola’ – Bright orange new leaves becoming green-orange in summer. Grows around 3 feet tall and wide.
- Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ – Deep red lace-leaf foliage all season on a 2-4 feet tall and wide maple.
- Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’ – Red lace-leaf maple staying under 3 feet tall and wide. Holds leaf color well all season.
- Acer palmatum ‘Viridis’ – Delicate green laceleaf foliage. Grows wider than tall, around 3 feet wide by 1 foot tall.
Small Upright Varieties for Container Culture
Though they grow a bit larger than dwarf types, these upright Japanese maples will still thrive in containers for years before outgrowing their space.
- Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ – The coral bark maple glows with bright red winter twigs. Grows 10-15 feet tall.
- Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ – A classic red maple growing 15-20 feet tall. Keeps rich red color well.
- Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ – Emerging bright gold and maturing green, with fall colors of orange and red. Grows about 10 feet tall.
Best Full Moon and Laceleaf Maples for Containers
Two popular maple species, Acer japonicum and Acer shirasawanum, offer unique large, rounded leaves well-suited to container growing:
- Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’ – A Full Moon maple with huge, deeply cut green leaves that turn fiery shades of crimson, orange, and scarlet in fall. Grows 10-15 feet tall.
- Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ – Huge maple leaves emerge tinged burnt orange and turn vibrant orange and red in fall. Grows 15 feet tall.
- Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ – Chartreuse foliage turns golden yellow to orange and red in autumn. Grows 10-15 feet tall.
Growing Japanese Maples Successfully in Containers
Follow these tips to keep your container-grown Japanese maple healthy:
- Select the right potting mix – Use a porous mix formulated for container plants, with ample drainage. Lightweight bonsai mixes work well.
- Water thoroughly -Japanese maples are drought sensitive. Water well and often enough to keep soil slightly moist but not saturated.
- Avoid hot afternoon sun – Dappled or morning sun is ideal. Afternoon sun can scorch delicate maple leaves.
- Fertilize lightly – Use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can burn roots.
- Prune selectively – Prune in late winter to shape. Avoid heavy pruning that stimulates excessive new growth.
- Monitor for pests – Aphids and lace bugs can attack maples. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control outbreaks.
- Protect from winter cold – Wrap or cover containers in winter to insulate roots from hard freezes. Move pots to an unheated garage or porch if possible.
With proper selection, care, and overwintering protection, Japanese maples grow readily in containers, adding artful beauty to patios, entryways, and other small space gardens. Their graceful form, colorful foliage, and adaptable nature make them ideal specimens for container culture.
How & When To Fertilize:
- Fertilize sparingly. When growth starts in the spring, use a water-based fertilizer that is diluted to half its strength.
- You should use a slow-release organic fertilizer made for acid-loving plants to feed your plants once or twice during the growing season.
- Important: Do not feed liquid in late fall or early spring.
How To Grow Japanese Maple Trees In Containers:
Now that you’ve picked the perfect small Japanese maple for your container, let’s make sure it thrives! Caring for container maples isn’t difficult, but they have a few key needs.
First, get the right potting mix. Aim for a loose, well-draining soil. I suggest a bonsai potting mix specifically made for maples. It has the ideal pH and includes porous ingredients like bark, lava rock, and pumice to keep roots aerated.
Always make sure your container has drainage holes on the bottom. Without them, roots will drown. Elevate pots above saucers to prevent standing water.
Watering is crucial! Check soil daily, and when the top inch is dry, thoroughly soak the pot. Aim to keep soil moist but never soggy. I recommend using rainwater or distilled water if possible, since tap water may have excess minerals that build up over time.
During hot summer months, your maple may need watering twice a day. Pay close attention and don’t let pots dry out completely.
To keep your maple happy, fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or timed-release pellets made for container plants. Stop fertilizing after August so growth slows for winter dormancy.
Speaking of winter, how you overwinter your potted maple depends on your climate:
- In zones 6-9, place in a sheltered spot and keep watering all year.
- In zones 3-5, stop watering after leaf drop and store dormant tree in an unheated garage once temps dip below freezing.
No matter what zone you’re in, always situate containers in a spot protected from harsh winter winds.
In spring, resume watering and move your potted maple back outdoors once all chance of frost has passed.
Repotting yearly in early spring will keep roots healthy. Go up just 1-2 inches at a time. Prune only to shape—avoid heavy pruning that stimulates excess new growth.
See, with the right care, growing Japanese maples in containers is very doable! Just be attentive to their water, fertilizer, and seasonal needs, and your compact maple will thrive beautifully in a pot.
PRO TIPS FOR GROWING JAPANESE MAPLES IN CONTAINERS | MrMaple featuring AARON DRAGSETH
FAQ
What size container should I use?
For dwarf varieties, start with a 10-15 gallon pot. For larger types, use a 20+ gallon container. Make sure there’s room for root growth but not too much extra space.
How often do I need to water container maples?
Check soil daily, water when the top 1-2 inches are dry. More frequent watering needed in summer heat. Never let pots fully dry out.
Should I bring my potted maple indoors for winter?
Only if you live in zone 5 or below. In zone 6-9, an outdoor sheltered spot is fine. If overwintering indoors, provide cool garage or basement storage.
How can I encourage leaf color in my container maple?
Plant in a spot with good sun exposure. Use an acidic fertilizer made for Japanese maples. Water regularly.
What are signs my container maple is stressed?
Drooping leaves, leaf burn or browning, lack of new growth, dry soil, root emergence from drainage holes.
Can you grow a Japanese maple in a container?
There are lots of reasons to grow a Japanese maple in a container. You can add some height to a garden or grow a tree on an urban apartment balcony, for starters. Regardless of your motivation, the process is the same for planting and caring for these marvelous trees. To help you make it happen, here’s what we’ll discuss in the coming guide:
What is the best pot for Japanese maples?
The best pot for Japanese maples should provide adequate space for the tree’s shallow root system, have good drainage, and be sturdy enough to support the tree. These are the top things we look for when selecting a pot for Japanese maples: Size: Opt for a pot that is at least 2-3 times larger than the tree’s root ball.
Are Japanese maple trees good for landscapes?
Ideal for larger containers and small landscapes. Ideal for very large containers and small landscapes. With their weeping branches and intense colors, Japanese maples are some of the most stunning ornamental trees for SoCal landscapes. Learn More!
Can you move a potted Japanese maple indoors?
Technically, yes, you can move your potted Japanese maple indoors. Japanese maples do not always thrive in indoor settings, and there are a few challenges you’ll need to consider before moving you plant inside: Limited Light: Providing adequate light for Japanese maples indoors can be difficult.