Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' syn Senkaki

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' or Coral Bark Japanese Maple is a superb medium sized upright Maple reaching around 12 ft (4m) depending on conditions. One of the most attractive maples it makes an excellent specimen tree in a lawn and is equally home at the rear of the border where it can provide shade for other plants during the warmer months.

Foliage is deeply lobed and when new is orange to yellow before tirning to gree. In fall the foliage turns to buttery yellow with touched of red.

With stunning Red Bark and attractive lime green foliage that fades to a soft apricot, red and yellow in Fall the Coral Bark Japanese Maple is widely used as an ornamental feature tree.

Wrell suited to growing in containers this is amaple that has year round interest with its fiery coral red young growth providing interest through the seasons.

Care

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' prefers a humus rich moist soil, well drained, part shade or some protection from hot afternoon sun and hot drying winds.

When planting dig in some well rotted compost and ensure that drainage is good. Stake young plants , staking prevents the young plant from moving in the wind and helps ensure that the root system has time establish itself. It is also advisable to water in well with a liquid seaweed fertilizer which will promote good root growth.

Mulch around plants to help maintain moisture. Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' will benefit from a slow release fertilizer during its first 2 - 3 years.

Suited to Zones 6-9, consult local nurseries for more precise information.

Pruning is rarely required as with most Japanese Maples growth habit is tidy and attractive. Any dead or damaged wood can be pruned back as required.

However some gardeners choose to prune back in early spring to encourage more of the new coral red stems. This will change the form of the tree, a matter of aesthetics.

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