Acer tree

Hi Suzz, I think the fun of gardening are the small triumphs, however unexpected! Two years ago (approx) I planted primula, primrose and auricular seeds in the appropriate compost and seed trays. Not much happened the trays went a bit green( mould not plant) so I put the trays into the garden by a tree and left them forgotten and unloved. This year lots of little seedlings appeared at random times, since the spring and are still appearing. I potted them on and some of the early ones flowered. It was such an unexpected surprise. Now all I have to do is keep them alive till next spring, when I expect a riot of colour. I avidly read Gardener's World, but apparently my plants don't! X

suzz,honeysuckle grows wild and plentiful where I live.It will smother other plants so if yours grows like that keep an eye on it.

So I will have to name it either Hyacinth (Bucket) or Victor (Meldrew)

J52 thanks for the advise, I am getting pleasure from the garden at the moment and have so far grown 2 honeysuckle plants from cuttings wow (these are the easiest things to grown aren't they ) but most things are hit and miss, so hey ho I will keep on trying.

I think acers are the hysterical divas of the gardening world. They are very quick to complain - too hot, too cold, too windy, too acid, too wet, too dry - but no matter how you try to accommodate them, they find something else to complain about. I have an acer that seemed at death's door 2 years ago but then burst forth into glorious life and is beautiful at the moment. I think it's just a matter of luck.

When we moved here 5 years ago I bought an Acer as the soil here is slightly acid. Planted it in a sheltered sunny (but not too sunny) spot. It died in the cold of winter. Replaced it planting in a different spot as I thought the first may have been too cold. It lasted a year and then in the of cold winter it died - but shoots appeared from the base the next spring. Last winter it definitely died. This time it hasn't regrown.

I give up!

I wouldn't worry too much, unless the leaves start curling up and falling off! Ericaceous compost is essential and ericaceous feed. Both easily available. I have Acers in both front and back garden. The one in the front is in the soil, but in an exposed position. The one in the back is in a very large container, in a different aspect, but more sheltered position. Both seem to do well. The lady across the road lost hers to frost one year, but it then started sprouting from the old stem! I think they are tougher than we think. Enjoy your garden. I get the most pleasure from things that grow where they are not supposed to and random self seeded plants. It's ' shabby, chic' rather than 'Kew' perfect, but fun. X

Thanks for the replies,
merlotgran & J52, it is in potting compost and has been since purchased last year do I need to add / change something, it is placed in the back garden next to the house wall and large garden fence in the corner, it does not get much sun (if any) or wind .
Just learning about gardening and haven't the foggiest on plants etc.,
.

Acer leaves are easily damaged by wind. You might need to move the container.

What kind of compost are you using, suzz? Acers prefer acid or neutral soil so you may need to add some ericaceous compost to the mix. Leaf scorch can also be caused by allowing the soil to dry out or exposure to constant bright sunlight as you get better leaf colour in partial shade.