Acer 'Sango Kaku'
Best low-maintenance specimen for gardeners seeking vibrant year-round landscape color.
Discover the Acer 'Sango Kaku', a stunning Coral Bark Japanese Maple, celebrated for its year-round visual appeal. This deciduous shrub or small tree is most admired for its vibrant, coral-red bark that provides exceptional winter interest. In spring, delicate yellow-green leaves emerge, maturing to light green and transforming into a bright yellow in autumn. Its upright, rounded habit and low maintenance needs make it a versatile choice for borders, containers, or as a specimen plant. Thriving in sunny to dappled shade, it prefers moist, well-draining soil.
$78.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
312
/ 1208
#312 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-26%
Below average
SKU
49007
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant winter landscape interest
- Homeowners wanting dramatic autumn color displays
- Small-space owners needing elegant, low-maintenance focal points
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with intense, scorching afternoon sun
- Busy homeowners avoiding regular seasonal pruning tasks
- Gardeners managing heavy clay or poorly draining soil
Performance breakdown
Winter Visual Impact
The signature coral-red bark provides unmatched brilliance during dormant winter months.
Seasonal Versatility
Dynamic foliage transitions offer a distinct aesthetic shift throughout the year.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in appropriate soil and light conditions.
Landscape Adaptability
Compact growth habit fits perfectly in containers or as a focal point.
Pest Resistance
Natural resilience against rabbits and black walnut toxicity simplifies garden placement.
Hardiness Range
Reliable performance across zones five through nine for most temperate climates.
Key Specs
SKU
49007
Genus
Acer
Species
palmatum
Variety
'Sango Kaku'
Item Form
2-Gallon
Mature Height
10 Feet
Mature Width
10 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Features
- Striking coral-red bark for winter color
- Bright yellow fall foliage
- Awarded Royal Horticultural Society Merit
- Rabbit and black walnut resistant
- Upright, rounded growth habit
- Low maintenance care
- Suitable for containers
- Excellent specimen plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and striking design of the Acer 'Sango Kaku'. Reviewers frequently highlight the tree's health upon arrival, noting robust root systems and careful packaging that ensures successful planting. The unique aesthetic appeal, particularly the vibrant coral bark in winter, is a major draw, exceeding expectations for garden impact. While some mention the initial size is smaller than anticipated, the overall consensus confirms this maple is a high value investment that thrives and delivers stunning year round color and structure.
Know before you buy
The 'Sango Kaku' is primarily prized for its striking coral-red bark, which provides significant visual interest during the winter months when the tree is dormant. Its foliage also offers a distinct seasonal progression, shifting from yellow-green in spring to light green in summer and a brilliant yellow in autumn.
Yes, its upright, rounded habit makes it an excellent candidate for large containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to keep the roots healthy.
This variety performs best in full sun to partial shade. In regions with particularly hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help prevent leaf scorch and keep the foliage looking its best.
You can expect this tree to reach a mature height and width of approximately 10 feet. Its compact size makes it a versatile choice for smaller gardens, borders, or as a focal specimen plant.
Yes, the 'Sango Kaku' is noted for being deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where these animals are frequently present. Additionally, it is resistant to black walnut trees, which can be toxic to many other plant species.
It prefers moist, loamy, and well-draining soil. It is important to avoid waterlogged conditions, as Japanese maples are sensitive to heavy, saturated soil that can lead to root issues.
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$79