Emery Davis wrote:
Billit wrote:
I would like views on growing Acers in tubs, Could anyone tell me the
size of tub required and also the compost that would be most
suitable.

MO is drainage is everything, not too much peat (hard to wet once
dry) and not to acid. Acer palmatum should not be planted in
straight ericeous compost.


Yes, just about all refs give the need for "well-drained" soil.

But where did the statement about ericaceous compost come from? According
to the RHS Dictionary of Gardening, "Most species prefer a neutral to
slightly acid soil". None of the books I have make any reference to not
using straight ericaceous compost.

See for example here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...ges/1579.shtml
(and other pages with a google search on "acer" and "ericaceous compost").

FWIW, I have grown A. palmatum "shindeshojo" in ericaceous compost for 7
years. It continues to do well, and IMHO is still the best red-leaved
palmatum cultivar around.

--
Jeff
(cut "thetape" to reply)