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Coral Bark Japanese Maple 'Sango kaku': Stunning Winter Interest with Vibrant Red Stems

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Sango kaku

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Sango kaku bark

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Sango kaku foliage

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Sango kaku form

Overview

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku' (also known as 'Senkaki' or 'Sango-kaku'), is renowned for its spectacular coral-red bark that provides exceptional winter interest. A member of the Sapindaceae family, this deciduous small tree offers year-round beauty: fresh green leaves in spring, lush canopy in summer, golden-yellow fall color, and vivid red stems in winter. It is one of the most popular and widely grown Japanese maple cultivars.

Botanical Details

Family: Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus: Acer (AY-ser)
Species: Acer palmatum (pahl-MAY-tum)
Cultivar: 'Sango kaku'
Synonyms: 'Senkaki', 'Sango-kaku'

Growing Conditions

'Sango kaku' thrives in USDA zones 5-8. Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Protect from strong winds. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Minimal pruning required; remove dead or crossing branches in late winter.

Landscape Uses

Ideal as a specimen tree in a small garden, near a water feature, or in a woodland border. Its winter bark color is best appreciated when planted against a backdrop of evergreens or a light-colored wall. Also suitable for large containers.

Japanese Maples: Japanese Maple 'Butterfly': Variegated Foliage Resembling Fluttering Wings; Japanese Maple 'Shishigashira': The Lion's Head with Curled, Crinkled Foliage; Coral Bark Japanese Maple 'Beni Kawa': Vibrant Red Winter Stems, Hardier Alternative; Japanese Maple 'Nicholsonii': Deeply Cut Purple-Red, Also Atrodissectum; Japanese Maple 'Nuresagi': Wet Heron with Dark Purple-Red Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Okushimo': Upright Green with Crinkled Leaves, Also Crispum; Japanese Maple 'Seicha': Green Tea Variegation, Also Aocha Nishiki; Japanese Maple 'Shindeshojo': Brilliant Spring Scarlet, Also Shin deshojo; Bihou Coral Bark Japanese Maple: A Yellow-Barked Cultivar; Coral Bark Japanese Maple 'Kurabu Yama'

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