Alphabetical Plant Listing

Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' (Coral Bark Maple)

Coral Bark Maple, Japanese Maple 'Aka Kawa Hime'


Similar but much smaller than the highly popular 'Sango kaku', Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' is also a very desirable Japanese Maple. This deciduous shrub or small tree features delicate foliage of 5 lobed leaves which 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 wide 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. Leaf scorch can be caused by a lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, rock gardens, or 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.
  • May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and Verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Acer - Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 7' – 9' (210cm – 270cm)
Spread 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

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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.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Acer - Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 7' – 9' (210cm – 270cm)
Spread 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Acer - Maples

Guides with Acer - Maples

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Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' (Coral Bark Maple)

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