Japanese Acers, also known as Japanese Maples, are highly prized for their vibrant colours and unique shape, making them a popular choice for gardens.
To keep them looking their best, they need careful care and attention - and gardening experts suggest there are ways to maintain the Acer's bright, striking colours all year round.
The iconic deep red colour of many Japanese Acers, similar to a rich burgundy wine, is widely admired. However, when an Acer tree starts to decline or die, its distinctive colour can fade and lose its intensity.
According to information from UrbanGardensWeb, these elegant maples can face a range of problems, from aphid and insect attacks to damage from harsh direct sunlight, or too much water causing waterlogged roots that could suffocate the plant.
However, the ongoing vibrancy and health of an Acer can be maintained by using 'good quality fertiliser'.
It recommends: "Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Apply mulch and fertiliser in spring to support the tree during its growth phase.
"Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and negatively impact its development."
Another factor that can affect the colour intensity of your Japanese Acer is its location in the garden, as well as the amount of sun or shade it gets at different times of the day, reports the Mirror.
According to the experts at MrMaple.Com: "A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it's known to be a red cultivar.
"Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red."
Additionally, they added: "Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant.
"Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you're looking for a certain colour.
"Red Dragon and Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars."
