Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Phoenix'

• The decorative stems and branches of the snakebark maple need to catch the light for best effect so give them a prominent site, ideally in dappled shade.
• Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure.

Planting Advice for Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Phoenix':

• Winter hardy and low maintenance, 'Phoenix' prefers a spot in semi-shade (will tolerate full sun, but avoid bright, direct exposure).
• If your soil is slightly acidic, then you have the perfect conditions to grow Japanese maples – however, do not worry if it isn't, as most can be grown in other soils as long as they are not wet, dry or very alkaline.
• If growing in a pot, use a 50/50 mix of ericaceous and multipurpose compost if you can – although, again, don't worry overly about this.
• Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated as long as the plant is well-watered. Avoid exposed places as leaves can suffer with windburn (scorch), especially if the plant is dry.
• Allow your Japanese maple to get used to a whole day in the sun by starting it off in the shade, then standing it in its final sunny spot (in pot or in the garden soil) for one hour longer every day for a week.
• If planting in the garden, prepare a wide hole and loosen the soil with a fork, incorporating organic matter as needed to improve moisture retention and condition.
• Plant your acer so that the top of the rootball is slightly below ground level. Fill the planting hole with soil and heel well in. Water well.
• If growing in containers, use a soil-based compost such as John Innes No. 2 or a good-quality ericaceous compost.

Aftercare Advice for Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Phoenix':

• Keep the compost evenly moist (but not soaking) and feed in spring and early summer with a slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed such as our specialist acer feed.
• Your acer will need repotting into a slightly bigger container every couple of years in April or September.
• Wrap containers with bubble wrap in winter to protect the roots.

Pruning Advice for Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Phoenix':

• Pruning is not necessary but can be done in late summer or early autumn if needed to remove dead or damaged branches.