Acer palmatum Sangokaku, commonly known as the Coral Bark Maple, is a beautiful and highly sought-after Japanese maple prized for its unique year-round interest. Unlike most acers that are mainly grown for their foliage, Sangokaku offers outstanding winter colour, thanks to its vibrant coral-red young stems that glow in low winter light.
Key Features:
-
Foliage: Leaves are deeply lobed, palmate and emerge a soft yellow-green in spring, often edged with pink. They mature to a fresh light green in summer, then turn brilliant shades of gold and orange in autumn, creating a warm display before falling.
-
Winter stems: After leaf fall, the young shoots and branches reveal their striking coral-red bark, which stands out beautifully against winter skies or evergreen backdrops.
-
Habit: Forms a graceful, upright, vase-shaped small tree, typically reaching 46 metres high with a spread of around 34 metres over time.
-
Bark: Smooth, bright coral-red on young growth, fading to grey with age but always providing excellent seasonal contrast.
This combination of vivid seasonal leaf changes and standout winter bark makes Sangokaku one of the most popular feature trees for gardens of all sizes.
Detailed Care Guide for Acer palmatum Sangokaku
Position & Light
-
Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight, but Sangokaku is more sun-tolerant than many other Japanese maples.
-
Some morning sun enhances autumn colours and brightens the coral stems, but protect from hot afternoon sun to reduce leaf scorch.
Shelter
Watering
-
Likes soil to be consistently moist but well-drained.
-
Water well during dry spells, particularly when young or grown in pots.
-
Apply a mulch of bark or compost each spring to conserve moisture and protect the shallow root system.
Soil
-
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, fertile, humus-rich soil.
-
Avoid heavy clay or very alkaline conditions. If needed, plant in raised beds or containers with ericaceous compost mixed with grit for drainage.
Feeding
-
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a specific acer feed.
-
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which encourage soft, sappy growth prone to frost or wind damage.
Pruning & Maintenance
-
Requires minimal pruning.
-
Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while dormant.
-
Avoid heavy cutting back, which spoils its natural shape.
Pests & Problems
-
Generally trouble-free.
-
May occasionally see aphids on new shoots.
-
Leaf scorch (brown tips) typically results from drought, strong winds or intense sun, not disease.
Container Growing
-
An excellent candidate for a large pot, making it suitable for patios or small gardens.
-
Use ericaceous compost with added grit, ensure pots have good drainage, and raise them on feet.
-
Water consistently, and protect roots in harsh winters by wrapping pots or moving them to a sheltered spot.
Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee
