Acer palmatum is blooming (Northern Hemispere; Autumn)

I have a potted Acer palmatum, variety is Aekane Le's. It is a "Harp String" type, thin leaves, blood red. Anyway, I noticed that it was flowering today. I am concerned because it is Autumn now; it has dropped its leaves... its suppose to slow down and go to sleep. Should I pick off the flowers or just let it do what it wants to do? I was thinking about planting it in the ground. Please share your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks!
Todd

Odd.

Trees often bloom profusely when under severe stress. It will be hard to tell what's happening if the leaves are gone (early for that????). Planting in a rich organic soil or in he ground and giveing careful wither protection MAY be a good idea.

The odd weather this year has caused a lot of wierd things to happen. Up on our main road across the city, many of the azaleas are in full bloom, a full 6 months early. We have two 40' Aspens, which we bought largely for the fall color. One is still totally green, while the other is losing it's leaves without turning color, still green and healthy looking but falling off.