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Container potted Japanese Maple...left outdoors during winter?

11 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to read my post...I am considering doing a fairy garden or childhood memory garden. I was considering adding a miniature JM and hanging a mini tire swing from a branch.

Not sure if the outdoor garden that will be in a container will need to be brought in during winter months if I planted a JM in it.. This would decide my size of container I did use.

Also some suggestion as to which miniature JM for this task would be appreciated as well.

Comments (6)

botann
11 years ago
We need to know what zone you're in, or better yet, general location where you live.
Mike
cadillactaste
Original Author
11 years ago
So sorry about that...that would be helpful wouldn't it. I live in N.E.Ohio,which our area is a Zone 5.

Thanks Mike!
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In 7b you shouldn't have any worries overwintering a JM in container outdoors. I grow most of my maples in containers and have yet to a lose a single one from cold damage :-) And there is no need to offer any particular kind of protection unless the temperature plunges into the low 20's or teens for any length of time. Just keep an eye on the weather and if arctic lows are predicted, then you may want to consider bubblewrap (around the pot ONLY) or moving the pot to a more protected location. Water only enough to keep the soil just moist to the touch. And frost is not really an issue......the only concern would be sudden hard late frosts that may occur when the tree is breaking dormancy or just after. You may want to cover small, unestablished trees during these priods.
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If the containerized trees are exposed to the elements and you receive a reasonable amount of rainfall in winter, then no additional watering is required. If the containers are stored somewhere under cover, the soil should remain just barely moist to the touch so that might require a small amount of watering from time to time, depending on the quality and consistency of the potting mix. IMO, pruning during the dormant season should be done in early winter (Nov/Dec.) rather than late winter (Feb/March) to avoid excessive bleeding. Sap in JM's typically starts moving early, often as early as January but for sure by February in milder climates. Summer pruning - June and July - is always an option. The adage is structural pruning in winter; thinning/shaping in summer. I personally prefer a light hand when it comes to pruning these trees - this is not a one time shot so small, selective shaping and branch removal can (and should) be extended over several seasons. You can always take more off later but you can't put it back on!! And I would have to say that if at any time one was thinking of removing as much as 20% of the tree, it is far too small to prune!! Or step back and reconsider your plan. These trees seldom need that much attention.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Zone 5 is pretty much the lower hardiness range for Japanese maples. Any container-grown JM will need winter protection in your climate - either indoors under low heat or sunk in the ground. And it really doesn't matter what size container.

And 'miniature' JM's is a bit misleading :-) Sure, there are dwarf varieties but even dwarfs grow. And often faster than you would expect. I'd take mature size listings for dwarf JM's you find online with a large grain of salt - they tend to be seriously understated. Both my dwarf 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' and 'Hupp's Dwarf' - not supposed to exceed 4-5 feet - are already close to 4' feet tall and still very young. And are low graft plants as well. I know of one Mikawa planted inground that is around 15' tall!!

I've included a pretty good link for "dwarf" JM's - but keep in mind these guys - like all other trees - just keep on growing :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: dwarf Japanese maples
cadillactaste
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks GardenGal48...I guess I hadn't realized that. I just assumed ones put them in containers they must stay small. And doing a Google search they showed tiny trees in planters. Some even shallow planters.

Re-thinking tree idea...
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Tiny trees in shallow planters are bonsai :-) Very doable with Japanese maples but a LOT more work than simply growing a tree in a container. Which in itself is a lot more work than growing the same tree in the ground.
cadillactaste
Original Author
11 years ago
A lot of work...Hm-mmm Not sure I wish to get in under my head on this project. I want to enjoy it not have it have the best of me.

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