Japanese Maples, 3-Color Mix (Acer palmatum) - Red, Green, and Orange - 12 cm Pot - 35 cm Tall - Set of 3

TheAcer palmatum does very well in a pot, provided you choose a sufficiently wide container (at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter for a 35 cm plant) with drainage holes to ensure optimal drainage. Use an equal mixture of ericaceous soil and potting soil, slightly acidic, which reproduces the conditions of its natural soil. Place a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom before filling to prevent root suffocation. Water abundantly at planting, then keep the substrate moist without excess, and place your pot in the shade or partial shade, sheltered from the wind.

Yes, theAcer palmatum is a hardy shrub that can withstand severe winters when planted in the ground down to around -15°C under favorable conditions. Planted in well-drained soil and sheltered from icy winds, it requires no special protection over winter in the vast majority of regions in France. In a pot, its hardiness is reduced because the roots are directly exposed to the cold: winter protection (a fleece cover, mulching the container) is recommended if temperatures drop sustainably below -8°C.

TheAcer palmatum is originally an understory plant, which explains its marked preference for shade or partial shade. A location receiving the soft morning light and protected from direct sun between noon and 6 p.m. is perfectly suitable. Afternoon sun burns the delicate leaves and causes them to dry out prematurely, harming the aesthetics and weakening the shrub. In the shade of a large tree, against an east- or north-facing wall, the Japanese maple develops its most beautiful colors and maintains healthy foliage throughout the growing season.

TheAcer palmatum prefers moist, well-drained, organic-rich, slightly acidic soils, with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Heavy, clay-rich soil that retains too much water can cause root suffocation and promote fungal diseases. If your soil is alkaline or too compact, improve it by incorporating ericaceous soil, mature compost, or forest potting mix to acidify and aerate the growing medium. In a pot, an equal mixture of ericaceous soil and all-purpose potting mix, with a drainage layer at the bottom of the container, makes the ideal substrate.

The three Japanese maples in this lot, Orange Dream, Beni Maiko and Emerald Lace, share the same cultural requirements, which greatly simplifies their care. They all require a shaded or semi-shaded position, cool slightly acidic soil and regular watering during dry periods. Pruning is little necessary: simply remove dead or damaged twigs at the end of l'winter before bud break, with clean and sharp secateurs.

TheAcer palmatum is renowned for its slow growth, making it an ideal shrub for small gardens, patios, and container arrangements without the risk of becoming invasive. On average, it grows 10 to 20 cm per year depending on growing conditions, exposure, and watering. At maturity, depending on the cultivar, it can reach a height of 1.50 m to 3 m when planted in the ground after several decades. Orange Dream and Beni Maiko generally remain compact, well suited to pots and small spaces, while Emerald Lace can develop a slightly more spreading habit.

Yes, planting Orange Dream, Beni Maiko and Emerald Lace together is even recommended to create a particularly successful play of chromatic contrasts. The bright orange leaves o'f Orange Dream, the dark red leaves of Beni Maiko and the finely cut green leaves o'f Emerald Lace complement each other perfectly from spring to l'autumn, offering a palette worthy o'f a Japanese garden. In a mass planting or shaded border, space the plants 60 to 80 cm apart to give them room while creating an immediate group effect from the first season.