Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Smaller but as desirable as the highly popular ‘Sango kaku’, Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ is noted for its showy coral bark and fall color. This medium-sized deciduous tree features delicate 5-lobed leaves that open lime green in spring, mature to mid-green in summer, and turn golden-yellow, orange, 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 a broad, rounded canopy and makes an outstanding four-season tree enjoyed by all gardeners as it graces the landscape.

• Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 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.