How hardy is it?

Japanese maple comes from cool, temperate climates

From a climatic point of view, Japan is very complex. While the north has a cool, temperate climate with long, snowy winters and short, mild summers, in the south there are subtropical and even tropical zones. Most of the Japanese maples come from the north, with the Japanese maple (Acer japonicum) in particular being found on the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. For this reason, most of the Japanese maples offered in this country are used to cold climates and are therefore very hardy even in our latitudes.

Planted specimens therefore do not need extra winter protection, with one exception: they are young Japanese maples. Especially if these have just been planted this year, additional protection makes sense. This can be designed very easily, as a rule a thick layer of leaves or straw is sufficient. some spruce branches in the root area. Since it is a shallow root, these are of course particularly sensitive. Also make sure that you plant Japanese maples in spring if possible - then the trees have enough time to grow.

Protecting the maple trees

Japanese maples kept in pots should also be protected from frost:

• Place the planter against a house wall or wall.
• The location should be bright and protected from the wind.
• Place the bucket on a base made of wood or styrofoam.
• Wrap the planter with fleece or raffia.
• Cover the substrate with leaves, straw, or spruce branches.

Proper care in winter

Japanese maples also need water in winter, which is why you should water buckets in particular from time to time - but only on frost-free days and when the substrate is dry. Furthermore, pruning should not be carried out in winter, as Japanese maples do not tolerate such measures very well. Fertilization should also be avoided between August and March.