Hi. New to the forums so I hope this is the right place. My wife and I are a bit new to the patio/balcony gardening and are looking to add a little something to our "outdoor area". We were wondering if is possible to grow Acer rubrum (or any other non-Japanese red maple) in a container on the patio/balcony area. If this question has already been answered please direct me to the response or if this needs to go somewhere else let me know. Thanks for your responses!
As a general rule, Acers are very forgiving of being grown in a container and adapt well. If you wish your tree to show continual vigor for many years, a good understanding of pruning techniques, both above and below soil line is requisite. Simply "potting up" will eventually leave you with a tree in decline. You'll likely need some method of moderating root temperatures over winter as well, such as overwintering in an unheated garage or burying the container, preferably out of sun and wind. Your tree will appreciate lots of sun. Growing in a light colored container and/or making provisions for shading the container will keep root temperatures lower & would also be appreciated by your tree.
Once you decide on going forward, we can help with choice of soils & a fertilizing regimen.
