How Do You Grow and Maintain A Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

The coral bark Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’) is a small, ornamental tree that stays smaller than most maples. A beautiful ornamental tree, it grows to a height of 15 feet and spreads 10 feet wide. With its stunning red bark and delicate leaves turning yellow in autumn, the tree is gorgeous throughout all seasons.

If you’re looking to grow your own coral bark Japanese maple, here are some tips on how to care for it:

Location

Coral bark Japanese maple is a hardy, slow-growing deciduous tree that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It will do well in most soil types as long as the soil is well-drained; if you live in an area with heavy clay soil, you may want to consider planting seedlings for your coral bark Japanese maple in a raised bed.

Watering

You will need to water this tree often when it is first planted. This is to help the roots get established and watered regularly until established, where the tree is quite drought tolerant. Be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to fungal diseases. Once established, watering should only be necessary during extended periods of drought.

Fertilizer 

Coral bark maples are a beautiful addition to any landscape. Fertilizing them once per year during early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs will help your coral bark maple maintain its vibrant color and full, lush leaves. Be sure not to overfertilize as this can damage the roots and lead to leaf burn. Once established, coral bark maples are relatively low-maintenance and do not need to be fertilized every year.

Pruning

Coral Bark Japanese Maples are one of the most popular varieties of maples. They’re low-maintenance, drought resistant, and only need to be pruned if you want to control their size or shape. Coral bark maples have a naturally oval shape that can be controlled by cutting back large branches in the winter or early spring when it’s dormant.

Conclusion

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple is a beautiful tree that is perfect for small gardens. With its bright coral-red bark and delicate green leaves, it is sure to add interest and beauty to your landscape all year round. This hardy Japanese maple will thrive in most soils and conditions, and can withstand some drought once it has established itself.