Folio № 25 of 36 · in the garden since 2025
Coralbark Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'
Coral-red young bark glows through winter; soft green summer foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn. Also sold as 'Senkaki'.
The year, as this species lives it
Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.
Mid Summer · Jul 1 – Aug 10 · happening now
- Monitor daily; ensure no drought stress.
- Taper nitrogen; hold feed during hottest weeks.
- Pinch back soft spring growth; wait until fall for structure.
- Check for powdery mildew in humid weather.
- Ensure root ball doesn’t overheat—shade or pot insulation.
click another arc to travel the year →
The care sheet
The constants — what stays true in every season.
Partial shade to full sun
Protect from hot afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
High
Never allow to dry out completely.
Balanced
Avoid high-nitrogen after midsummer.
Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
Pinch new shoots to maintain shape.
Spring or Autumn
Use guy wires for older wood to reduce scarring.
Every 2-3 years
Repot just as buds begin to swell.
Cuttings or seed
Cuttings root easily with hormone.
Protect fine branches from late frost.
Mist foliage to counteract dry air.
On the bench · 2
Every Coralbark Japanese Maple in the garden, oldest hands first.
