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Texas Gardening

What's the real scoop on Japanese Maples?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Seems I'm reading conflicting information online about these lovely little trees, and hope someone here can shed some light. I've long thought (due to things I've read and continue to read) that the Japanese Maple is best in an area where it gets filtered sunlight or mostly shade. We have a spot in our yard where we want to plant a small tree, and I've stayed away from the JM precisely because of what I've long thought.

Today, I read this from the Arbor Day Foundation website:

Note "Sun Preference", which appears to contradict what I thought I knew! We did have a JM in the backyard of our previous home, but it never did well. It was in a pretty heavily shaded area, and now I'm thinking that it might not have been getting enough sun.

So ... how much sun can these things REALLY take before they burn? Are some varieties more adapted to sunny areas than others? If you have one in a sunny location, I'd love to see a photo and/or know what variety you have. Thanks!

ETA: I'm in Zone 8, and the area we are considering for a small tree is on the northwest corner of the house.

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Comments (5)

bostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
6 years ago
If not done so already, would spend some time on the Metro Maples site (Growing Japanese Maples). May not agree with everything, but a great starting place if thinking of trying maples in Texas. Believe they're in Ft Worth.
User
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you, bostedo! I will do just that. Appreciate the link!
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B in 8a DFW
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I've seen japanese maples take full sun in DFW, they always have severly burnt leaves. In more northern zones it's normal to grow them in full sun, but in Texas filtered shade or morning only sun seems best. Some varieties are more sun and drought tolerant. I've purchased from Metro Maples, in bostedo's link, before and found their selection advice reliable.
Todd C
6 years ago
At this latitude with our intense sun and long hot summer they are not full sun plants, especially a small young tree. High shade, some direct morning sun is ideal. If you lived in Washington state, Pennsylvania, or the UK, sure full sun is fine for many of them. Also when they are young trees I recommend protecting the trunk from direct hot sun. I wrap that green nursery plastic that is usually used to tie plants to stakes. You'll need to keep them well watered. They won't ever do well in shallow chalky clay. A good indicator of whether or not they will succeed is if an azalea would grow in that same spot. Although I've found them to be less ericaceous than azaleas
User
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thanks very much for the responses. We have nixed the idea of Japanese Maple for now, and planted instead a semi-dwarf crape myrtle that should do nicely in our chosen spot.

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