Sango Kaku Japanese Maple

Sango Kaku Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'), the coral bark maple, is grown as much for winter as for autumn. It makes an upright vase shaped tree of about 4m tall and 3m wide, with fine lobed leaves that open lime green and turn clear gold in autumn. Once the leaves drop, the young stems are revealed in bright coral red and hold that colour all winter. Few trees this size give you something to look at in every season.

Why you'll love it

• Coral red winter stems. The young wood colours up as the temperature falls, when the garden is otherwise bare.
• Clean gold autumn colour. The autumn turn is a bright buttery gold rather than deep red.
• Small tree, real presence. About 4m by 3m and upright, so it fits a courtyard or narrow side garden without needing to be cut back.
• Non invasive roots. Safe to plant close to paving or a path, and one reason it does so well in large containers.
• Safe around pets. Japanese maples are not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can go in a courtyard the dog shares.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree with room and a plain backdrop is worth more than three crowded together. A light wall behind it shows the winter stems best.

Balconies and courtyards. It is one of the better small trees for a large container. Use a 500mm or larger pot and expect a slightly smaller final height.

Small and shaded gardens. The canopy lifts as the tree matures, so you can underplant beneath it, and it is happy in dappled light.

Growing Sango Kaku Japanese Maple in Australia

Position and climate. A cool temperate and warm temperate tree, and frost hardy. What it will not forgive is hot afternoon sun with drying wind, which scorches the leaf margins by January. The right spot in most Australian gardens is morning sun with shade from midday, sheltered from hot westerlies, and it is not suited to the tropics or subtropics.

Soil. Moisture retentive, well drained and slightly acidic. Work compost through a wide planting area rather than a deep hole. Mulch 75mm deep across the root zone, because the surface roots dry quickly.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers and never let a potted specimen dry out. Feed lightly in early spring; heavy feeding gives soft growth that scorches.

Pruning. Very little is needed and the natural shape is the asset. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. The brightest coral is on young wood, so take out a few of the oldest stems every few years.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown from 250mm through to 200L. The 250mm and 300mm sizes are young grafted plants and the value option if you will wait for height. The 400mm and 500mm sizes are the common garden choice, while 45L to 200L trees arrive with a formed trunk and branched head.

Ordered in autumn or winter, your tree will arrive bare of leaves. That is normal for a deciduous maple, and the best time to plant. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full deciduous tree range
• Plants that change colour through the seasons
• Compare ornamental trees for feature planting
• Small courtyard garden ideas

Common questions

Can it take full sun?

Only in cool districts with reliable moisture. Everywhere else, morning sun with afternoon shade gives far better results. Hot sun and dry wind scorch the leaf edges brown by midsummer.

When are the stems coral red?

The colour deepens as the weather cools and is best from leaf fall through to bud burst. Young growth colours most strongly, so the display improves with age.

Will it grow well in a pot?

Yes. Use a container at least 500mm across, a free draining mix, and be consistent with water through summer.