Acer & ajuga pot display

You will need

Japanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum x1
Bugle, Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' x4
Tall, square planter
Compost

Pots & container categories

Overview

Acers don't like to be baked by the sun so this pot is perfect for a sheltered spot. This particular Japanese maple has beautiful filigree leaves but it's just one of a fantastic range of leaf colours and shapes that are available. The colourful leaves of the low-growing bugle will soon hide the compost, and in spring and early summer, dark blue flowers will add to the scheme.

Plant it: all year round

At its best: April - August

Takes just: 20 minutes

How to do it:

1Place the pot in its final sheltered position then fill it with compost. Plant the acer centrally, and arrange the bugle around its base.

Adam's tip

Use John Innes No. 3 compost in this pot, as it retains its structure and nutrients.

Water the pot regularly during spring and summer to keep the compost moist.

Discuss this pot & container

Talkback: Acer & ajuga pot display

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dhaynes 24/11/2011 at 15:27

Not that keen on ajuga, so will probably try it with something else. Asarum, maybe...

kaycurtis 24/11/2011 at 15:27

I love all Acer's if I owned a bigger garden I must addmit I'd have them all over the place. But I do have 4 in pots around my garden that need repotting this spring.

Potage 24/11/2011 at 15:27

My garden is situated in an exposed area on the south western Irish Coast, I am interested in a wind resistent acer and other plants. I use a lot of containers

upsadaisy1 24/11/2011 at 15:27

is there an Acer that is wind tolerant?

grimmer 24/11/2011 at 15:27

One of the most beautiful trees you can have in the garden.

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