Acer Mystic Jewel 3L

A unique variety of Japanese maple and not widely available - this is the ideal opportunity to get your hands on the next big thing in Acers! The mysteriously coloured leaves of the aptly named 'Mystic Jewel' emerge red-purple on new growth and turn to green with a silver-grey hue as they mature, seeming to take on a glowing appearance that will light up dull areas of the garden. Then in autumn the leaves turn to purple-red before falling in an inferno of vibrant colour. With beautiful, palmate leaves and a gently spreading habit, this Japanese Maple is a slow growing shrub that reaches just 150-170cm (60-67in), it's the perfect specimen for containers on the decking, patio or balcony and for those of us with smaller gardens and its easy to grow too, so there's no excuse for anyone not to give it a go! Best planted in semi-shade for the best leaf colour, Mystic Jewel will tolerate sun as long as it's not direct, bringing an air of quiet sophistication to wherever it is planted. Fully winter hardy, it's the ultimate in low maintenance plants, needing very little in the way of pruning except to remove any damaged or dying branches. Supplied as an established plant in a 3L pot, ready for planting out. Grows to 150-170cm (60-67in), plants are dormant in winter, so no leaves from approx. October until March. How to Grow Planting Advice for Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Mystic Jewel' Winter hardy and low maintenance 'Mystic Jewel' 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 you have not 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 wind-burn (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 palmatum so that the top of the root ball is just 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. 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. Content: 1 x Plant