Coral-bark japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’)
Coral-bark japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) is one of the most popular Japanese maples. It provides color interest throughout the year and is a perfect choice for the garden.
The cut leaves are yellow-pink in the spring, ripening to green during the summer. Then they turn yellow in the fall before they fall. The contrast between the yellow of the leaves and the pinky red branches makes a spectacular composition, almost surreal.
Then, in winter, the bare branches are red or pink, intensifying the color as the winter progresses. A spectacular tree!
Plant profile
Common name: Japanese maple ‘Sango-kaku’, Coral-bark japanese mapleScientific name: Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’, Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki'
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3m - 8m
Spread: 3m - 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Foliage color: Green (spring), Green (summer), Pink (spring), Yellow (autumn), Yellow (spring), Yellow (summer)
Stem color: Pink, Red
Season of interest: Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Japanese Garden, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Containers & Pots, Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
How to plant
The ‘Sango-kaku’ maple can grow up to 6m tall and 5m wide. It can be grown in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It should be planted in soil that can retain moisture but drain well.
Propagation
It is propagated through grafting. Don’t miss our article that explains how to easily graft japanese maples.
