Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku' – The Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku', commonly known as the Coral Bark Maple, is a stunning Japanese Maple variety, renowned for its striking coral-red branches, delicate foliage, and spectacular seasonal colour changes. This elegant, upright tree brings year-round interest, with soft, lime-green leaves in spring and summer, turning golden-yellow with orange hues in autumn, before revealing its vibrant red bark in winter. A perfect choice for small gardens, Japanese-style landscapes, containers, and woodland settings, 'Sangokaku' is an excellent specimen tree that provides beauty in all seasons.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: Delicate, pale green leaves emerge with a slight pink tinge, forming a soft, airy canopy.
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Summer: The foliage matures to vibrant green, offering a refreshing, tranquil presence in the garden.
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Autumn: Leaves turn a brilliant golden-yellow with orange highlights, creating a spectacular seasonal display.
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Winter: After the leaves fall, the coral-red bark is fully revealed, adding a dramatic burst of colour against the winter landscape.
Structure & Form
Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku' has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit, typically reaching 4–6m in height with a graceful, spreading canopy. Its fine-textured leaves and vibrant bark make it a standout feature in any setting. The eye-catching red branches provide a unique winter interest, making this tree one of the best maples for year-round beauty.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Courtyards – A compact tree that provides colour and structure throughout the year.
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Japanese & Zen Gardens – Complements traditional Japanese landscapes, adding elegance and tranquility.
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Winter Interest Gardens – The striking coral-red bark makes it an excellent choice for winter landscapes.
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Container Planting – Thrives in large pots on patios, terraces, and balconies, where its vibrant bark can be enjoyed up close.
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Mixed Plantings & Borders – Works beautifully with evergreens, flowering shrubs, and perennials.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Protection from harsh afternoon sun prevents leaf scorch.
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Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, rich in organic matter.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy but benefits from shelter from strong winds to protect its delicate leaves.
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Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning—only occasional shaping and removal of dead or weak branches.
Why Choose Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku'?
Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku' is a truly exceptional Japanese Maple, offering year-round visual interest with its delicate foliage, brilliant autumn colour, and striking coral-red bark. Its upright growth habit, low-maintenance nature, and stunning winter display make it an outstanding choice for gardens of all sizes. Whether planted as a feature tree, in containers, or as part of a mixed planting, 'Sangokaku' brings grace, structure, and vibrant colour to any outdoor space.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Evergreens – Pair with Taxus baccata (English Yew) or Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) for a strong contrast against the red bark.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Azalea, Camellia, or Rhododendron for stunning seasonal displays.
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Perennials – Underplant with Hosta, Heuchera, or Ferns to add texture and depth.
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Groundcovers – Use Pachysandra, Vinca minor, or Ajuga to create a lush base.
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Other Japanese Maples – Mix with varieties like Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' or Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Viridis' for a multi-layered effect.
Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku' is a must-have for anyone looking to add a unique, colorful, and easy-to-care-for tree to their garden. With its stunning coral bark, delicate foliage, and ever-changing seasonal beauty, it is truly one of the most captivating Japanese Maples available.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
