Coral Bark Japanese Maple

About this plant

Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku', also known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a captivating specimen that promises year-round interest. Its most distinguishing feature is the brilliant coral-red bark that glows intensely during the colder months, providing a cheerful splash of color against a snowy landscape or a muted winter garden. Beyond its incredible bark, 'Sangokaku' offers beautiful foliage. Delicate, five-lobed leaves emerge a fresh green in spring, transitioning to a soft yellow with hints of orange and red in the autumn, creating a spectacular display before they fall. This graceful form and vibrant color make it an exceptional choice for a focal point. Ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, or even larger containers, the Coral Bark Japanese Maple provides an elegant, multi-seasonal appeal. Its upright, vase-shaped habit and moderate size allow for versatile placement, offering a touch of sophisticated beauty to any landscape design.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Prune in late summer or early fall to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Minimal pruning is typically needed.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.