Botanical profile

Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'

Latin name
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'
Common name
Japanese maple 'Sango Kaku'
Type
TREE
Family
Sapindaceae

Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’, also known as 'Sango Kaku' Japanese maple or coral bark maple, is a highly ornamental variety renowned for its vibrant coral red young stems, particularly noticeable in winter. Its delicate yellow-green foliage in spring turns light green in summer, then transforms into golden yellow in autumn, offering a luminous spectacle over three seasons. Its upright and graceful habit is perfectly suited for planting as a specimen, along borders, or in mass plantings, where it becomes an architectural focal point. It prefers cool, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, as well as partial shade to non-scorching sunny exposure, to protect its young branches and preserve the brilliance of its colors. ‘Sango Kaku’ is an essential maple, combining winter interest, evolving foliage, and a slender structure, perfectly adapted to Quebec gardens.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 5
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate, cool, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Gentle fertilizer in spring, low in nitrogen
Soil type
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
Minimum temperature
-20.2 °F
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Light red (spring)
Fruiting
Discreet red samares
Foliage color
Greenish yellow → light green → golden yellow (autumn)
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Slender and upright
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
6 m (20 ft)
Width
4 m (13 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.