Hi, I live in Mississauga close to the lake. I have a small place on the east side in my back yard between a tool shed and house approximately 14 feet long. The place has 4 hours morning sun. I would like to plant a not big size Japanese maple. My favourite one is fireglow but not sure if it can survive Toronto severe winter as it is zone 6 and we are zone 5. What is your opinion? Many thanks.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with inquiry into growing Acer palmatun ‘Fireglow’
Fireglow Japanese Maple does best in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in average to moist soils and should not be allowed to dry out. It is not particularly fussy as to soil pH but does best in rich soil, soils rich in organic matter. It should also be noted that this tree can and will reach a mature height and width of 10’x10′
As you have realized this plant’s hardiness is a 6a and unless you have a microclimate in your garden and a sheltered place, this plant will not survive the winter. Landscape Ontario has an excellent fact sheet on Japanese Maples which list other varieties which may be getter suited to your zone. If you do decide to plant a Japanese Maple I would recommend applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations.
Happy Planting!