How to Grow Amur Maple Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Amur maple shrub is a plant native to Asia. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-9 feet tall and wide. The leaves are opposite, simple, and 3-5 lobed with a toothed margin. The fall foliage is often quite colorful, ranging from yellow to red. The small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in early spring and are followed by winged seed pods. The amur maple is forgiving and easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginning gardeners. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

How to Grow Amur Maple Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Snake-bark maple
Striped maple
Mountain maple
Goat's rue
Siberian pea tree

Things to Know

Amur maple is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or tree.
It is native to northeastern Asia, specifically the Amur River region of China and Russia.
The Amur maple has been introduced to North America and Europe, where it is now widely planted as an ornamental plant.
The Amur maple is characterized by its small, triangular leaves and its dense, branching growth habit.
The Amur maple is a popular choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
It is also frequently used as a bonsai subject.
The Amur maple is relatively tolerant of urban pollution and can even thrive in inner city locations.
The Amur maple is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
The Amur maple is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
The Amur maple is generally considered to be an easy shrub to grow and maintain.

How to Grow

For amur maple shrub, first step is to choose the planting site. It should be a sunny location with well-drained soil.
The second step is to dig a hole twice the width and depth of the shrubs root ball.
The third step is to mix some compost into the hole.
The fourth step is to place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
The fifth step is to water the shrub deeply after planting.
The sixth step is to mulch around the shrub to help retain moisture.
The seventh step is to fertilize the shrub in early spring.
The eighth step is to prune the shrub in late winter or early spring.
The ninth step is to monitor the shrub for pests and diseases.
The tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful foliage and flowers of the amur maple shrub!

Related plant:
Amur Maple

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the amur maple prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, but it is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions. It does not do well in wet or poorly drained soils. The best time to plant is in the spring or fall.

About light

So, like the other plants, the Amur maple shrub needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is special because it can also grow in shaded areas. This means that you don't have to worry about finding the perfect spot for it in your garden. Just make sure that the area you choose gets some sun during the day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the Amur maple shrub is one that is cool but not cold. This shrub can tolerate some degree of cold, but it does not do well in prolonged periods of extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for this shrub is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much. If you want to use some, organic options are the best way to go. As for the roots, they tend to be very shallow, so be careful when you're watering or working around the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning amur maple shrubs is important to maintaining their shape and encouraging new growth. The best time to prune amur maples is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. Be sure to make clean cuts, and avoid damaging the trunk or main branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of amur maples is most commonly done through rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the shrub. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings should be placed in a potting mix that is moist but not wet, and they should be covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light and they should be misted with water daily. After about 6 weeks, the roots should be established and the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about six inches per year. However, some may grow more slowly or quickly depending on the variety. The amur maple is a shrub that typically grows to be about six feet tall.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become stunted. To control these pests, you can use an insecticide or a systemic insecticide.

Tips on Growing

If you are growing Amur maple shrub from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
Sow the seeds on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix.
Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not wet and place the container in a warm location.
The seeds will germinate in 21-30 days.
Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest seedling remains in each pot.
Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Grow the seedlings under partial shade for the first year.
In the second year, transplant the seedlings into their permanent location in the garden.
Amur maple shrub prefers a moist, well-drained soil.
The shrubs will tolerate partial shade but perform best in