How will Red and Green Japanese Maples do in pots in full sun?

Question

I have recently bought Japanese Maples from Home Depot for $40 each. I planted them in pots and in full sun. Any advice on how they will do/maintanence? I have green and red. I also have some in partial shade. I reside in Los Angeles and will get very hot in the summer. Also, anyone know why they would be so cheap at HD granted they can sell for up to $200 at places like Armstrong for the same size (5 gallon)??

Answer 1

I grow Japanese Maples in hot inland Australia. I agree about the shade. Mine do extremely well in the morning sun only. I have some in the full shade and they grow OK but the red leafed varieties loose their red colour over the season (too much shade). Mine don't have leaf burn unless they are in too much sun or they are the very fine dissected leaf varieties and the hot winds dry out the leaves. Because they are in pots you will have to be very careful that they don't dry out too much. They will become large 'bonsai' in pots so not too much maintenance.

Don't be put off, I love and enjoy mine, siting and regular watering are the most important ingredients, mine don't get any special care. I can recommend the following varieties of Acer palmatum: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', A.p. 'Sango-kaku', A.p.Atropurpureum and the common original Acer palmatum and my favourite A.p. Osakazuki. I find a lot of Acer species do not like the heat especially the large leafed varieties eg Canadian Maple but Acer negundo's thrive here even the variegated ones, and Acer buergerianum is as tough as nails and colours well without it being too cold in winter. Good luck.

The varieties will determine the price, the rarer the more expensive

Answer 2

Japanese maples are known as "understory trees". That means that in their natural, native environment, they tend to grow below other, larger trees. They do MUCH better in dappled sunlight, or part-sun, part-shade. If you plant your Japanese maples in full-sun, you will DEFINITELY notice a very great deal of sunburn on their leaves, probably halfway through the summer. The leaves will become discolored and eventually shrivel and die. A little burn isn't a worry, but if too many leaves get burned, this causes overall "stress" to the tree, and stressed trees have less resistance to things like disease and pests.

There are many cultivars/varieties of Japanese maple, and a few are less sensitive to full sun exposure and have "tougher" leaves, but in general, NO Japanese maple will ever be completely happy and completely healthy (in terms of foliage) in full sun.

On top of all this, they do not appreciate places that get extremely hot in the summertime, and since you said your part of L.A. does get hot, that's yet another reason why you will probably be disappointed by the performances of your trees.

PLEASE consider moving your maples to the partial-shade part of your yard. :) They'll thank you for it immensely! However, if you still notice a lot of leaf-burn, you might consider selling them/giving them to a friend or relative who can give them a little more shade and slightly cooler temperatures overall.

Good luck! :)

Answer 3

The Maples will do great in Pots and Die off slowly in Full Sun. I cannot think of one species of Jap. Maple that will take full Sun
Light shade for Maples and ornamental fruiting trees is best

Answer 4

Some varieties might be more expensive. Some growers charge more for organic plants because they take extra maintenance. The buyers pass the cost on to us of course:(. If New Yorkers grow trees in big pots on rooftops, it should be a cinch in L.A. Stick your finger in the pot deep and check for dampness. If it's dry, water deeply. Keep a big saucer under it to hold enough water for a day. Water about once a week. Don't let it stay too soggy. If a plant gets sick, check the roots. They should be white and the plant should not be root bound.