I live in an apartment and would like to try growing a japanese maple in a container outside my door. I imagine there are many dwarf or semi dwarf varieties avaiable but I need to know if there are any that will take direct afternoon sun abt. 7 hours) without being seriously burned. the exterior apt. wall is a medium green so I don't think reflected light will be too much of a problem. Anything with a mature height of 8 ft. or under is fine. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello, In looking at Japanese Maples by J.D. Vertrees, he states that he has grown red and green dissectums in a cement patio in full sun with success. There are many important considerations when planting your maple in order to prevent leaf burn. The first being your choice of soil which should have adequate drainage and good water retention. Vertrees recommends a commercial soil mix for containers with a high percentage of peat moss or (ideally) conifer bark. Because your maple will be in a container it is important to monitor moisture levels. During hot and dry spells the container will dry out quickly, although it is important to avoid overwatering. Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala is also recommended for containers as well as Acer campestre 'Nanum'. Raakel
