Quick Acer Question

maman

As a novice, I'd appreciate some advice on this:

I bought three small (foot high) acers last week. They were only £6 for all three. I'm wondering how best to look after them through the winter. My plan is to have them in pots.

I was thinking of repotting them and keeping in my (almost always unheated) conservatory and watering occasionally. I was afraid with them being so small they'd not like being outdoors yet in case we have a harsh winter.

Any views?

blossomhill_2

That should do it, bear in mind they will be litle more than bare sticks over winter so not too attractive - maybe just put all 3 in the one pot for their early year(s)

I lost one last week on a sunny day, leaves just curled up and died, so beware too much conservatory sun

Badrick

blossomhill wrote: »

I lost one last week on a sunny day, leaves just curled up and died, so beware too much conservatory sun

Good point about the sunlight, as their natural habitat is light shade.
For some strange reason, I've had the odd outdoor potted acer just shed all it's leaves mid season, and in many instances they'd grow again the following year.
May be worth sticking outside in a sheltered spot and see if it comes back next year..

blossomhill_2

Thanks Badrick, I will
I know the soil was a little dry, I had been watering it but ants had turned it to dust so it didn't retain water well, but I will give it a fighting chance

I love acers but get mixed results with them - the one in the front has done so well it had outshaded everything else and I have had to give it a minimalist Japanese style cloud pruining

The ones in the back are all less successful