Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku

Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
This hardy, deciduous, Japanese maple is also known as Senkaki and more commonly as Coral Bark Maple, the bright coral colour of the bark being the standout feature. Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku is an ornamental tree with deeply lobed orange-yellow leaves turning a soft yellow in autumn but it is its attractive coral-red stems in winter that maks this plant so popular. Its twigs and branches give a stunning display when their bark turns coral pink - a wonderful addition to a garden in a season when there's usually not much bright colour to be found. Sango Kaku actually means ‘coral tower’. Generally the younger the wood, the stronger the colour. 

This variety is the recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a sure sign of its superior performance and resilience. If you are interested in Japanese Maples, take a look at our selection of finest Acer varieties.

Height and Spread of Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
Compact and relatively slow growing, this cultivar can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree. It has an upright growth habit with a top that will spread as it ages. The expected eventual size is circa 8 metres in height and up to 6 metres in width.

How Hardy is Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, Coral Bark Maple will easily withstand temperatures up to 20 degrees below zero.

How To Use Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
With its gorgeous colour-changing foliage and coral bark, Senkaki is ideal as a specimen tree. It offers year-round interest and a much-needed vibrancy and colour during the bleak winter months. While extraordinary on its own, this maple can also be a lovely addition to a mixed shrub border. 

How To Care For Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
Easy to grow and to care for, this maple will do well in any soil as long as it is moist but well-drained. Japanese Maple Sango Kaku prefers to be planted in full sun although it will tolerate some dappled shade.

View our other Acer varieties and our Blog Post on Japanese Maple