Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' / 'Senkaki' - Coral Bark Maple

A beautiful Japanese maple with striking coral-red bark that becomes more vibrant in winter. Green foliage in spring transforms to bright shades of orange and yellow in autumn before dropping its foliage for winter. Perfect feature tree and shade tree for cool to temperate gardens.

Quick Info

Height: 6m (medium-sized tree)

Width: 5m (rounded, spreading canopy)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Frost Tolerance: Very hardy – excellent for cool temperate regions

Positioning: Part shade to afternoon shade preferred – In cooler regions, morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in warmer areas to prevent leaf scorch. Full shade results in open, leggy growth.  Also protect from harsh, drying winds which can cause leaf scorch and damage delicate foliage.

Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid waterlogging. Deep, free-draining soil with added compost or peat promotes healthy growth and vibrant autumn colour.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few pest or disease issues. Generally pest-free compared to other deciduous trees.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning which disrupts natural graceful form.

Perfect For

> Feature trees in residential and also larger gardens

> Shade trees for cool to temperate climates

> Japanese and Asian-style garden designs

> Autumn colour displays and seasonal interest

> Mixed deciduous plantings

Plant Variety Overview

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', also known as 'Senkaki' and commonly known as the Coral Bark Maple, it is a stunning Japanese maple prized for its spectacular dual ornamental characteristics—striking coral-red bark that becomes increasingly vibrant in winter, combined with traditional maple foliage that transforms through the seasons. This exceptional cultivar delivers year-round visual interest through bark colour, seasonal foliage changes, and elegant branching architecture.

The tree displays fresh green foliage in spring that matures to deeper green through summer, then transforms to brilliant shades of orange and yellow during autumn—a fiery display before the leaves drop. The deciduous habit reveals the sculptural branching and distinctive coral-red bark that becomes the highlight of winter interest.

The bark deepens and intensifies in colour during winter months, creating a striking visual feature that makes this maple exceptional in the dormant season when many other trees are bare and uninteresting.

Sango Kaku combines the refined elegance of Japanese maples with exceptional cold hardiness and proven reliability across cool temperate Australian regions. The combination of vibrant winter bark, reliable autumn colour and graceful branching makes this cultivar exceptional for feature planting and part shade applications in cooler climates.

Why You'll Love It

> Striking Coral-Red Bark: Distinctive coral-red to crimson bark becomes increasingly vibrant in winter—a spectacular winter focal point

> Exceptional Autumn Colour: Foliage transforms from green to brilliant orange and yellow in autumn before dropping

> Year-Round Interest: Combines summer foliage, autumn colour, winter bark brilliance, and sculptural branching for constant visual appeal

> Cold Hardy: Very hardy once established—performs reliably in cool temperate regions including Victoria, NSW Southern Highlands, ACT and Tasmania

> Elegant Branching: Graceful, naturally spreading form creates refined architectural beauty

> Medium Size: Reaches manageable height and width suitable for residential gardens without overwhelming the space

> Low-Maintenance: Minimal care requirements once established beyond consistent moisture and light pruning

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety