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Japanese maple recommendations

gozde.zorlugozde.zorlu Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hello, I am looking for Japanese maple trees that are suitable for a sunny, south facing garden with no shelter. The brighter red the leaves, the better. Thanks very much in advance. 

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I'm no Acer expert, but I don't think you'll find any Japanese maples that suit that position.  We have been growing Acers for about 17 years now, and none of them have been truly happy with their positions (even when given shelter and some shade).  We have lost quite a few to die-back, or they survive but end up looking awful by about June (frazzled leaves).  The number of posts on this forum about this topic suggests that many people experience similar issues.

    You may be better to find another type of tree or shrub that suits your garden.  Sorry to be so negative, but I'd hate anyone to spend lots of money on a tree which didn't have good chances of thriving.

    The brightest red one we have grown is Bloodgood.  It's a popular hybrid, and fast growing, but it will want shade and shelter.
  • ElferElfer Posts: 329
    Acer palmatum atropurpureum is one of the more sun tolerant varieties.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I completely agree with KOG all acers prefer dappled shade.

    That said, I do have an acer palmatum dissectum planted in full sun that's been very happy there for 30+ years and the autumn colours are stunning.
    I have 3 others in the sun that are less happy about it.
    You soil would need to be either neutral or acidic for them to do well
    You can check here if you're in England-
    http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/#

    And welcome to the forum :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • MolamolaMolamola Posts: 105
    I visit this forum for maple advice, and they happen to have a thread on your question:

    https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/recommendation-japanese-maple-for-full-sun.100653/#post-414282 

  • Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
    I have an Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum growing in full sun which is as happy as can be - it never gets watered except by rain, it never gets fed and it's thriving.  It goes properly, beautifully scarlet in autumn, too.  Here's a pic taken today...Also, I have three Acer Palmatum Garnet also growing in full sun, totally happy too.  I'm not in a sheltered spot (on the coast in Scotland), and all my Acers survive everything the weather throws at them.
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    We’ve got a couple of “bloodgoods” doing well in full sun ☀️ 
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    @Pete.8 and @Tanty2  We also have a mature Acer (palmatum discectum) which is in full sun and gets no watering or care, however it has been there for 30+ years.

    I think these are a bit misleading, as more newly planted Acers seem to struggle in my experience, even after they have been in place for a few years.  I suspect that when our old Acers were planted, the Summers were much cooler and wetter.  They have had decades to build up sufficient root systems to be able to cope with our hotter and drier Summers.

    I still wouldn't advise anyone to plant ornamental Japanese Acer types in full sun.

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    That may well be true KOG  - things ain't what they used to be

    Mine just now- 

    and at Dawn in early November last year-


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
    Interesting pov, KoG - my acer was only planted 8 years ago, moved three times about five years ago while work was done on the garden, and has only been in it's new site for about three years in which time it has doubled in size!  Maybe it's more about the quality of the plant than the weather?  That said, mine was a freebie with an online bulbs order!
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