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

Like the highly popular ‘Sango kaku’, Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’ is noted for its glowing salmon-red bark and vibrant fall color. This deciduous shrub or small tree features delicate foliage of 5-7 slender tipped lobed leaves that emerge rich green in spring, sometimes lightly edged with red tints. They mature to mid-green in summer and turn attractive golden-yellow in fall before they shed to the ground. As they fall, they expose the bright but deep salmon-red bark on young twigs and branches, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. This showy red color persists on the second-year shoots. 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 shape and makes an outstanding four-season tree. ‘Beni-Kawa’ means ‘Red Bark’.

• Grows up to 5-15 ft. tall and wide (150-450 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.