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

Similar but much smaller than the highly popular ‘Sango kaku’, Acer palmatum ‘Aka Kawa Hime’ is also a desirable Japanese Maple. This deciduous shrub or small tree features delicate foliage of 5 lobed leaves that emerge fresh yellow-green in spring, mature to mid-green in summer, and turn attractive shades of gold, yellow, and red in fall before they shed to the ground. As they fall, they expose the bright, coral-red bark on young twigs and branches, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. In spring, the small, reddish flowers are pretty but not showy. They give way to samaras that ripen in late summer to fall. Slow-growing, this maple tree features an upright vase-shaped habit and makes an outstanding four-season tree. It is a perfect choice for small gardens and containers. ‘Aka Kawa Hime’ means ‘Small Red Bark’.

• Grows up to 7-9 ft. tall (210-270 cm) and 5-6 ft. wide (150-180 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. A lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or Japanese gardens and containers.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• It may be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings.
• Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia.