Coral Bark Japanese Maple

About this plant

The 'Sangokaku' Coral Bark Japanese Maple is a true showstopper, offering year-round interest with its remarkable beauty. Its most striking feature is the brilliant coral-red bark that illuminates the winter landscape, providing a much-needed splash of color during the colder months. In spring, delicate, five-lobed leaves emerge in a fresh, bright green, providing a lovely contrast against the colorful stems. As the seasons progress, the foliage transitions to a pleasing yellow before falling, revealing the full glory of its coral branches once more. This upright, vase-shaped tree is an excellent specimen for adding a focal point to any garden, suitable for both large landscapes and smaller urban spaces when properly pruned. Its unique bark makes it a captivating choice for winter gardens, effortlessly enhancing visual appeal. 'A Cut Above' expert installation ensures this exquisite tree thrives in your landscape, becoming a cherished centerpiece for years to come. Perfectly suited for those seeking a plant with exceptional multi-seasonal appeal.

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-drained, slightly acidic soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Prune sparingly in late summer or early fall to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches; avoid heavy pruning in spring to prevent 'bleeding'. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer designed for ornamental trees.

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.