Japanese Acers – also known as Japanese Maples – are one of the most popular additions to any garden for their rich red colours and distinctive shape. But like any living thing, it needs care and attention to stay looking its best – and according to garden experts, there are ways to make sure your Japanese Acer keeps its vibrant, punchy colouring all year round.
The most common Japanese Acer colour is red; particularly a lush red wine burgundy colouring. But if your Acer tree starts to wilt or die, it can lose its distinctive colouring as it starts to fade away. According to UrbanGardensWeb, there are many problems these Acers can face, including aphid and other insect infestations, and being scorched in direct sunlight too much, or even overwatering which can lead to waterlogged soil and drown the tree.
But one way to keep an Acer healthy and full of red colour is to regularly feed it with ‘good quality fertiliser’. It says: “Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course.”
One other factor which can change the colour of your Japanese Acer is the location it’s planted in, and how much sunlight or shade it gets, and at what time of day.
According to MrMaple.Com: “A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it’s known to be a red cultivar.
“Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red.
“Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant.
“Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you’re looking for a certain colour. Red Dragon & Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars.”