Coral Bark Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku' is known for its striking coral-red stems and delicate green leaves that turn golden yellow in fall. It's a small deciduous tree that adds beauty to any landscape. Distinctive coral bark and vibrant color in the fall make it a standout in gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with partial sun and well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, ensuring good contact.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for 6 weeks.
- Transplant young plants when they are sturdy and have established roots.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Water deeply during dry periods to promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune in late winter for shape and health
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late summer or fall to prevent stress
- Avoid planting in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Refrain from excessive fertilizing which can cause weak growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Coral Bark Maple questions
What zones can Coral Bark Maple grow in?
Coral Bark Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Coral Bark Maple deer resistant?
Yes — Coral Bark Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Coral Bark Maple bloom?
Coral Bark Maple typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Coral Bark Maple need full sun?
Coral Bark Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Acer to compare
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Orangeola Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Shidare'
Final Fire Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Final Fire'
Esk Sunset Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Esk Sunset'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Coral Bark Maple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
