Summer planting of Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' - Ask Extension
Hello I have a 7' tall Vine Maple in a pot from the nursery. I'm afraid it's too hot to plant now and have buried the pot in the ground for the extra ...
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Summer planting of Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire' #876007
Asked July 05, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
Hello I have a 7' tall Vine Maple in a pot from the nursery. I'm afraid it's too hot to plant now and have buried the pot in the ground for the extra insulation and moisture retention until fall when it's cooler and I can plant it. My neighbor thinks this is a bad idea. What would you recommend? I live in Portland BTW.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Jim. Before you decide what to do now, I suggest that you read the information contained in this OSU article which lists this species' needs: https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/wisteria-sinensis This has more information: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-circinatum/
Now, as to timing. Ideally, perennial plants should be planted in the fall, as temperatures drop, and while the soil is still workable, so root systems can develop over the winter. But, of course, they're all in nurseries and garden stores in the spring. Assuming that you are "storing" it in shade, the greatest risk of leaving it in the container--even in the cooler and wetter soil--is that the roots are so crowded that they cannot absorb water and nutrients. When it was taken from the ground and potted for sale, many of its roots were removed (along with valuable fungi that transport nutrients to the tree from far beyond the root zone.) You don't indicate whether there are roots coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom. If they are, it certainly needs a permanent home ASAP.
I would suggest that you remove it from the soil, and the tree from the container, and plant it in a shady place with good drainage and where you can apply supplemental water during our dry seasons. Be sure to cut or pull apart the roots before planting in a hole twice as wide, and the same depth, returning the native soil to the hole. You don't need to add anything else except consistent water. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Now, as to timing. Ideally, perennial plants should be planted in the fall, as temperatures drop, and while the soil is still workable, so root systems can develop over the winter. But, of course, they're all in nurseries and garden stores in the spring. Assuming that you are "storing" it in shade, the greatest risk of leaving it in the container--even in the cooler and wetter soil--is that the roots are so crowded that they cannot absorb water and nutrients. When it was taken from the ground and potted for sale, many of its roots were removed (along with valuable fungi that transport nutrients to the tree from far beyond the root zone.) You don't indicate whether there are roots coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom. If they are, it certainly needs a permanent home ASAP.
I would suggest that you remove it from the soil, and the tree from the container, and plant it in a shady place with good drainage and where you can apply supplemental water during our dry seasons. Be sure to cut or pull apart the roots before planting in a hole twice as wide, and the same depth, returning the native soil to the hole. You don't need to add anything else except consistent water. I hope this helps. Good luck!
