Coral Bark Japanese Maple

About this plant

Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku' is a captivating ornamental tree that brings year-round interest to any landscape. Its most striking feature is the brilliant coral-red bark, which intensifies in color during the colder months, creating a spectacular winter display against snowy backdrops or a contrasting element in evergreen gardens. Delicate, deeply lobed green leaves emerge in spring, offering a fresh, verdant appeal that matures to a lovely yellow with orange tints in autumn before revealing the showy bark once more. Ideal as a focal point, specimen tree, or accent in mixed borders, the Coral Bark Japanese Maple adds a touch of sophistication and artistry. Its upright, vase-shaped habit provides an attractive silhouette, while its relatively compact size makes it suitable for a variety of garden designs, including smaller urban spaces or container planting. This cultivar is a true standout, promising consistent beauty and a unique visual texture that elevates the aesthetic of any outdoor setting.

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

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Protect from strong winds and intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Prune lightly in late summer or early fall to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy winter pruning as it can lead to bleeding sap. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

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.