Great Japanese Maples with Striking Coral Bark

Acer palmatum

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) include a rich variety of deciduous shrubs or small trees with graceful habits, elegantly cut leaves, and extraordinarily colorful foliage, particularly in spring or fall when the leaves warm up to dazzling shades of golden-yellow, red-purple, and bronze, before shedding to the ground. As they fall, they expose the bright, coral-red bark on young twigs and branches of some Japanese Maple cultivars, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape.

One of the most popular varieties of coral bark Japanese maple is Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’, commonly known as the Coral Bark Maple or ‘Senkaki’. The young branches of this cultivar glow with a bright coral-red color, particularly in winter when the leaves have fallen. As the tree ages, the bark color can fade to a light coral-pink or coral-brown.

‘Sango-Kaku’ has palmate leaves that are light green in the spring and summer and turn golden-yellow with hints of red in the fall. This variety grows up to 20-25 feet tall, making it a great specimen tree for small to medium-sized gardens.

Another variety is Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’. Slightly smaller than ‘Sango-Kaku’, ‘Beni-Kawa’ grows to about 15 feet tall. The bark of ‘Beni-Kawa’ is a softer shade of salmon-red, and its leaves turn a vibrant orange-red in the fall.

Here is a list of Japanese maples that will help you create beautiful winter scenes and let you enjoy the winter season in a beautiful new way.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 9
Heat Zones	2 - 8
Climate Zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Shrubs, Trees
Genus	Acer
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Rabbit
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Great Japanese Maples with Coral Bark

Acer palmatum ‘Aka Kawa Hime’ (Coral Bark Maple)

A desirable Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Aka Kawa Hime’, is smaller than ‘Sango kaku’. It has delicate foliage, turning yellow-green in spring, green in summer, and gold, yellow, and red in fall. The tree’s coral-red bark adds a splash of color in winter. It’s great for small gardens and containers.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	7' - 9' (210cm - 270cm)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’, similar to ‘Sango kaku’, stands out with its salmon-red bark and vibrant fall foliage. The tree has slender, tipped lobed leaves that emerge green in spring, sometimes with red edges. They turn golden-yellow in fall, revealing the bright salmon-red bark. This slow-growing maple tree has an upright vase-shaped habit and is a stunning four-season tree.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)
Spread	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)

Acer palmatum ‘Eddisbury’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Eddisbury’, the Coral-Bark Maple, showcases showy scarlet bark and captivating fall colors. Its delicate leaves transition from bronze-green to fresh green, then golden-yellow and crimson. The vibrant red bark adds winter interest. With an upright habit, it’s a stunning four-season tree beloved by gardeners.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Admired for its stunning coral bark and autumnal foliage, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (Coral-Bark Maple) is a sought-after deciduous shrub or small tree. Its delicate leaves open in pinkish-yellow, turn light green in summer, and change to soft yellow in fall. The exposed coral-red bark adds vibrant color to the winter landscape. Slow-growing with an upright form, it is a captivating choice for year-round appeal.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ is a coveted Japanese Maple with showy coral bark and captivating fall foliage. Its delicate 5-lobed leaves open lime green, turn mid-green, and transition to golden-yellow, orange, and red in autumn. The bright coral-red bark adds a vibrant touch to the winter landscape. A stunning choice for all gardeners.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Growing a Japanese Maple

While Japanese maples are considered low-maintenance, here are some guidelines to help your tree thrive:

Location: Choose a location with dappled shade, especially in areas with hot summers, to protect the tree from the intense sun that can scorch the leaves. Morning sun with afternoon shade is usually a good option. For colder climates, a spot with more sun can help enhance fall coloration.
Soil: Japanese Maples prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but do not do well in waterlogged soils.
Planting: When planting, dig a hole twice as wide but just as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with a mix of the original soil and compost or a soil conditioner. This will provide nutrients and improve soil drainage.
Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially for young trees. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Japanese Maples are moderately drought-tolerant but will appreciate water during dry spells.
Pruning: Prune your Japanese Maple in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Remove any dead or crossing branches, and trim for shape.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Generally, Japanese Maples don’t require much fertilization. If needed, use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the exquisite beauty of your Japanese Maple for many years to come.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

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Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples

Garden Examples

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.