The Japanese golden maple 'Aureum' cuts a fine figure even in smaller gardens with its filigree foliage and picturesque growth habit.
The Japanese golden maple 'Aureum' (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum') enchants with its exotic charm in our gardens. The bizarre growth habit makes the plant just as eye-catching as the colorful autumn colors. Since the trees only grow a few centimeters per year, the Japanese golden maple is also suitable for the design of smaller gardens. It takes almost 100 years for the small commercially available plants to grow into a stately tree 6.5 meters tall.
Origin of Japanese Golden Maple
The natural range of the Japanese golden maple is limited. The wild species, the Shirasawas maple, is only native to the Japanese islands of Shikoku and Honshu. Botanists became aware of the plants comparatively late. The first written mention of the Japanese golden maple can be found in a publication by the University of Tokyo in 1911. The only plant that has found its way into European gardens is the yellow-leaved "Aureum" described here.
| Japanese Golden Maple 'Aureum' (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum') | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 10 - 15 cm a year |
| Growth: | 400 - 650 cm |
| Growth: | 400 - 650 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | humus-rich garden soil, permeable |
Use for the Japanese Golden Maple
The golden maple enriches the picture in the Japanese garden. Atmospheric contrasts can be set with the red-leaved Japanese maple or the evergreen Japanese pine. When designing the garden, it is important to ensure that the golden maple has enough space to develop its expansive crown over the years.
Tip: The Japanese golden maple grows up to 6.5 meters high and in width to the same extent.
The root area of the plant can be planted decoratively. Thisshould only be done, however, when the Japanese golden maple has become well accustomed to its location. The soil requirements of the wood are almost the same as those of the rhododendron. Therefore, appropriate group planting is recommended.
Tip: The Japanese golden maple also comes into its own in a sufficiently large planter.
Find the right location for the Japanese golden maple
Selecting a location requires a bit of finesse. The plants feel most comfortable in the protected semi-shade. Intense sunlight can burn the leaves. On the other hand, if the Japanese golden maple is too shady, the leaves will turn green.
A protected location in front of hedges, walls or other trees is also an advantage. Open and windy locations are less suitable for the Japanese golden maple.
The shrubs are preferred solitary plants that can be integrated very well into groups of shrubs or shrubs. A particularly high-contrast picture results in connection with dark leafy plants.
Preferred locations for the Japanese Golden Maple:
- Japan Garden
- Rock Garden
- Heidegarten
- Discounts
- Pond's edge
A sheltered location is important for the winter hardiness of the Japanese golden maple. Young plants need a certain amount of time to get used to their new location.
Preferred planting neighbors:
- Rhododendron
- Japanese Maple
- Japanese Maple
- Azaleas
- Magnolias
The Japanese golden maple loves high humidity. Therefore, a location near a pond or on the bank of a stream is preferable.
Selecting the ideal substrate for the Japanese Golden Maple
Japanese maples are generally quite tolerant of soil conditions. However, it is important to provide fresh and well-drained soil. A sandy and humus rich substrate is preferred. The plants are sensitive to lime and find it difficult to thrive in heavy and moist loamy soil.
It is therefore important to ensure good drainage in the soil. This allows irrigation and rainwater to run off better and does not accumulate in the ground or in the planter. The sand content should predominate. Clay makes up only a small part of the ideal substrate.
Tip: If the soil lacks nutrients, mixing in leaf compost will help.
If the substrate is generally damp, the planting hole should be about onehalf a meter deep. A drainage layer of gravel at least ten centimeters thick must be installed on the ground. This supports the drainage of the soil.
To prevent the leaves of the Japanese golden maple from drying out, the area around the root should be mulched.
It is helpful to check the pH value in the soil. The values should be between 4.5 and 7. If the substrate is too acidic or too alkaline, the tree will not be able to develop as desired.
Planting the Japanese Golden Maple
The Japanese golden maple is best planted in spring because the young plants are sensitive to frost.
When planting, there are a few things to consider:
- Compact soils are to be loosened. Sand or humus can be used for this.
- The plant must not be placed too deep in the ground.
- Planting on a small mound is recommended on heavy soil.
- The substrate should be mulched with bark compost after watering.
- The area around the plant should be kept weed free.
Cultivate Japanese Golden Maple as Bonsai
The Japanese golden maple is also suitable for keeping as a bonsai. Last but not least, the slow growth of the trees counteracts this.
Location: Partial shade, sheltered from the wind, frost-free
Design: All styles, except cascade and broom
Watering: Pour evenly with rainwater, no waterlogging
Fertilize: After sprouting every 14 days with liquid fertilizer
Repotting: every two to three years in spring
Pruning: Spring, cut back the first shoots, pinch from August
Wires: End of May, one to two year old twigs
After about ten years, the bonsai shows an attractive growth habit. Older specimens only need to be repotted every four to five years.
Watering and fertilizing the Japanese golden maple properly
Regular watering of the Japanese golden maple should not be neglected, especially in the first few years. The substrate must not dry out. The water is applied directly to the root area.
Tip: The Japanese golden maple is a shallow root and therefore cannot absorb the liquid from the lower soil layers.
The plant should not be watered over the leaves. These can burn quickly from exposure to sunlight. On warm days it is advisable to water in the morning and evening.
Tip: A mulch layer of leaves or twigs helps to ensure that moisture does not escape from the substrate as quickly and the plant does not dry out.
To promote the growth of the plant, horn shavings can be placed on the substrate in spring or directly in the ground when planting. The hobby gardener should be more careful with adding compost, because the high pH value of the organic material can damage the plant.
Warning: Avoid over-fertilizing. This makes the plants more susceptible to disease and less hardy.
Pruning the Japanese Golden Maple
The Japanese golden maple does not necessarily have to be pruned. However, a topiary is tolerated without problems. If desired, the growth height can also be limited by suitable pruning measures.
Dead shoots should be removed regularly to encourage growth. Between the end of May and the end of June is the suitable time to carry out pruning measures on the Japanese golden maple.
Tip: Pruning measures are always a risk of fungal infections. Use sharp and clean pruning tools and dress the wounds with tree wax.
Propagating the Japanese Golden Maple
Propagation of the wood belongs in the hands of professionals. Common methods are finishing by pointing and plating on the side. Japanese maple seedlings are mostly used as a finishing base. In August, the noble trip to the documents is scheduled. The plants survive the winter in the heated greenhouse.
Wintering the Japanese Maple
In the first two years the young trees are sensitive to winter and should be protected with garden fleece. Watering on frost-free days is also important.
Older plants outdoors do not need winter protection. In harsh locations, potted plants should overwinter indoors in a cool and dark place. Frost protection is generally necessary when keeping tubs outdoors, as there is a risk of the planter freezing through.