Alan Titchmarsh explains how to prune an Acer tree
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However, many people are unsure whether to put their acers in the ground or in pots. With this in mind, fans of garden and lifestyle sensation Mrs Hinch, whose full name is Sophie Hinchliffe, have shared their advice for planting and looking after Japanese maples.
The cleaning and lifestyle influencer has more than 4.5 million followers on Instagram and often shares her garden and home tips online.
Fans of hers have taken to social media in recent years to share their own hacks for solving common household problems.
Christine Appleton asked: “Which is better to grow an acer, in a pot or the ground? Any tips appreciated, thanks.”
Gardeners and gardening experts have varying thoughts on whether Japanese maples should be kept in pots or planted in the ground.
According to Gardeners’ World, Japanese maples are “ideal” for pots as they grow quite slowly and are often the focal point of displays.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests planting them in “John Innes No. 2 potting compost or a peat-free ericaceous with 25 percent added sharp sand” to allow them good drainage.
The compost needs to be kept moist but not soaking wet. The plant also needs to be fed in spring and early summer with a slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed.
April and September are the best months to repot Japanese maple plants. Potted acers are vulnerable to frost so need to be wrapped up with fleece or bubble wrap over the cooler months.
Facebook user and gardener Janet Weir said: “I’ve had one for 20 years. It started off in a pot then when we moved it in the ground. It’s massive now and it gets the wind and the sun.”
Diane Cook commented on Christine’s post: “In a pot they don’t seem to mind. Plus you cam take them with you if you move.”
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Janey Nixon agreed and wrote: “I have seven in pots all doing great.”
Sue Daykin commented: “I’ve got two in pots. I’m moving them around the garden until I decide where they look best then will plant in the ground.”
Lee Corby said: “Acers have specific light and wind preferences, if you have a place you know is great for it in the ground, use it, if not, pot it and move around until you find somewhere decent.
“They will grow faster in the ground. Remember they like loose slightly acidic soil and don’t plant too deep, a little root flare should be showing.”
Debbie Donoghue replied: “I have eight acers in pots from very large to brand new, they do really well. It took a little while to get the right spot but I love them.”
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Margaret McCubbin commented: “It just depends if you can give it the right growing conditions in the ground.
“I’ve about six and only one in the ground as my garden gets very waterlogged. I am able to move the pots to a sheltered position to overwinter.”
Margaret Smith wrote: “I have an acer in a pot, was only £5 and is really doing well. I have not fared very well with them in the ground where we are. It is in a sheltered spot.”
Japanese maples can also be planted in the ground in a sheltered, shady spot.
They are hardy but need to be sheltered from strong winds. Red and purple varieties need some sun to develop their darker colours.
Variegated varieties need partial shade to prevent them from becoming scorched. Green-leaved varieties can tolerate full sun.
Acers also like acidic humus-rich, well-drained soils but will do fine in most soils.
If they are planted in the ground, Japanese maples don’t like to compete with other plants and like lots of space for their roots.
Gardener and Facebook user Donna Remnant commented on the post: “They will grow much faster in the ground than in a pot, I would suggest getting advice on what type.
“There are acers that are happy in the sun. Some won’t tolerate much at all and with so many varieties it’s best to research before you buy one.
“I would also suggest spending as much as you can afford for a more mature tree. Supermarket trees do not have the best root structure.”
Ann Finch said: “Ground. [They] tend to be prone to scaly insects and worse in pots.”
Ginny Post agreed and wrote: “Almost everything grows better in the ground.”
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