Too late to plant a Japanese maple in Hartungviken, or does the position matter more?

The plant you show is a Japanese maple, and in late August it can still be planted in the ground. In Hartungviken, Sweden, however, there is less leeway than farther south, so the position and aftercare matter more than the date itself.

Plant it as soon as possible in a sheltered, partly shaded spot, ideally away from strong spring sunshine while the ground is still cold. The soil should drain well but remain evenly moist, with organic matter added if needed, so that the roots can establish without sitting wet through winter. Plant it no deeper than it was in its pot.

What will determine whether planting now works

The main concern is not planting itself, but whether a Japanese maple has time to establish enough roots before the first real cold. That is why planting now is better than waiting a few weeks. Water thoroughly at planting and continue while the ground remains unfrozen, without letting the soil become sodden.

For the first winter, protect the root zone with leaves, bark or another airy mulch. If the position is exposed to wind, extra shelter around the plant is sensible. Avoid feeding this late in the season; you do not want soft new growth just before autumn.

If you cannot give it a sheltered position in the ground straight away, the safer option is to overwinter it frost-free or very well sheltered in its pot and plant in spring. The choice is mainly between a good, sheltered planting spot now and waiting until spring, rather than August versus September in general.