Also known as the Coral-Bark Maple or Sango-kaku Maple, the Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' is a standout variety famed for its bright coral-red young stems and light, airy foliage. In multi-stem form, it becomes a striking year-round focal point, offering vivid winter colour, graceful movement, and elegant structure.
At Tree Heritage Nursery, our Sango Kaku Multi-Stem Trees are grown and shaped for their balanced form and ornamental value, perfect for feature planting in modern courtyards, woodland gardens, or architectural borders.
Growing Conditions
This variety thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and does best in a sheltered position with dappled sunlight or partial shade. It benefits from protection against harsh winds and strong afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Ideal for temperate UK gardens.
Where to Position It
Sango Kaku’s brilliant coral stems shine brightest in winter light, making it an excellent choice for winter-interest borders, Zen gardens, or reflective spaces. Its layered canopy and slow growth make it well-suited to urban courtyards, containers, or small lawn specimens.
Bark, Foliage & Flowers
The tree’s signature coral-red stems are most vibrant in winter and early spring, providing a vivid contrast against bare surroundings. Its pale green, deeply lobed leaves emerge in spring with a soft pink flush, maturing through summer and turning golden yellow in autumn. Small reddish flowers appear in spring, occasionally followed by winged seeds.
Size & Growth
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Ultimate Height: 4–6 metres
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Ultimate Spread: 3–4 metres
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Time to Ultimate Size: 10–20 years
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Growth Habit: Upright, vase-shaped with layered branching