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Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

$19995 $29995
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Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

Planting Instructions for Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’)

  1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
    Coral Bark Japanese Maple thrives in partial shade to full sun, though in hotter climates (zones 8–9), it’s best to provide afternoon shade to protect the delicate leaves from scorching. Choose a spot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Amend heavy clay or poor soils with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
  2. Planting:

Care Instructions

  1. Watering:
    Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots, about 1–2 times per week, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. Once established, Coral Bark Japanese Maple is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is key for the healthiest growth. Avoid overwatering and ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
  2. Fertilization:
    Feed the tree in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or one formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter. Over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth and reduce the tree’s natural shape.
  3. Monitoring for Issues:
    Coral Bark Japanese Maples are relatively low-maintenance but may be susceptible to pests like aphids or scale insects. Also, watch for fungal diseases like verticillium wilt. Ensure proper watering and avoid standing water to prevent root rot and other fungal issues.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    Prune the Coral Bark Japanese Maple in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve the tree’s shape and air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can lead to excessive growth that disrupts the tree's natural form. Light pruning after the tree has leafed out is fine if you need to remove minor growth.
  2. Winter Care:
    One of the key attractions of the Coral Bark Japanese Maple is its brilliant red bark, which becomes more vibrant in winter. In colder zones (USDA zones 5–6), protect the tree from frost and freezing winds by mulching heavily around the base. Younger trees may benefit from being wrapped in burlap during extreme cold snaps. Mature trees are more cold-hardy.
  3. Pest and Disease Control:
    Coral Bark Japanese Maple is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract pests like aphids, scale, or spider mites. If you notice signs of infestation, treat the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To avoid fungal diseases, provide adequate spacing for airflow, water at the base of the tree, and avoid wetting the foliage.

Seasonal Interest

One of the most appealing features of the Coral Bark Japanese Maple is its multi-seasonal interest:

  • Spring and Summer: The tree’s foliage emerges bright green or yellow-green, contrasting beautifully with its coral-red bark.
  • Fall: The leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and gold before dropping, revealing the striking red bark.
  • Winter: The red bark is the star, standing out against the winter landscape.
What Customers say about the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree:

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 15-25 ft.
Mature Width 15-30 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Partial Shade
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 15-25 ft.
Mature Width 15-30 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Partial Shade
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree with Autumn yellow and orange colors adding a vibrant accent to a residential landscape mulch area.

Beware- not all Coral Bark Japanese Maples are the same.

Be sure to get superior Japanese maples, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" Japanese maples to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Coral Bark Japanese Maples in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall Japanese maples in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Sango Kaku) brings color to every season- and really shines in winter when its branches glow coral-red.

  • Vivid coral-red bark that is brightest in winter
  • Changing leaves: bright green in spring, then golden-yellow and orange in fall
  • Graceful feature tree growing 15-25 ft. tall with a 15-30 ft. spread
  • Hardy in zones 5-8, and grows best with morning sun and afternoon shade

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "6-7 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Close-up of the yellow fall foliage of a Coral Bark Japanese Maple, with delicate, deeply lobed leaves showcasing vibrant golden hues. Thin red stems create a striking contrast against the yellow leaves, highlighting the tree’s signature autumn color transformation. The soft, blurred background enhances the warm, seasonal tones.

You Want Coral Bark Japanese Maples Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship tall but skinny maples that were grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take much longer to fill out.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Coral Bark Japanese Maples, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and becomes a colorful year-round focal point sooner.

Coral Bark Yellow Japanese Maple Tree in front of a home as landscaping.

Read more about the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

Coral Bark Japanese Maple – Year-Round Elegance for Your Landscape

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Sango Kaku) is a one-of-a-kind ornamental tree that delivers stunning color and charm through every season. With its vibrant coral-red bark, graceful foliage, and compact size, this Japanese maple is perfect for homeowners seeking a standout tree that adds beauty and interest year-round. From the fiery coral glow of its winter bark to the lush green leaves of spring and summer that turn golden-yellow and orange in the fall, this tree is an all-season masterpiece.

Why Choose the Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

  • Striking Winter Bark: Its vibrant coral-red bark creates a dramatic focal point, especially in the winter when its branches stand out against snowy or dormant surroundings.
  • Brilliant Seasonal Foliage: Delicate light green leaves in spring and summer transform into a mix of golden-yellow and orange hues in autumn, making it a seasonal showstopper.
  • Perfect Size for Any Space: Growing 15–25 feet tall and wide, it fits beautifully in smaller gardens, patios, or as a decorative accent tree.
  • Year-Round Beauty: Offers continuous visual interest, from its colorful bark in winter to its lush canopy in warmer months.
  • Hardy and Versatile: Thrives in USDA Zones 5–8, performing well in both full sun and partial shade with minimal care.

The Perfect Tree for Every Landscape

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple excels as a centerpiece, border tree, or container plant. Its stunning bark and elegant form make it a focal point in winter gardens, while its vibrant foliage brightens up spring, summer, and fall. Imagine it framing a patio, flanking a front entryway, or adding vertical interest to a courtyard. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized spaces, offering timeless beauty without overwhelming your garden.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple is remarkably easy to care for, making it a great option for gardeners of all experience levels. Once established, it adapts well to a variety of conditions and requires only minimal pruning to maintain its shape.

Growing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, morning sun with afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
  • Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage to prevent root rot.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once mature, it tolerates occasional dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture.
  • Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
  • Pruning: Requires minimal pruning—simply remove dead or crossing branches in late winter to maintain its graceful form.

Transform Your Landscape Today

Picture your garden bathed in the warm coral glow of the Coral Bark Japanese Maple’s winter branches or vibrant with its golden autumn foliage. This versatile, compact tree fits beautifully into any landscape, adding elegance and visual interest every month of the year.

At Nationwide Plants, we’re committed to providing top-quality Coral Bark Japanese Maples that are healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your garden. With fast shipping and expert planting advice, we make it easy for you to bring this exceptional tree home.

Shop the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree with striking red stems and golden fall foliage for stunning year-round appeal. This perfect ornamental feature tree adds elegance and charm to any landscape. Free Shipping—order yours today and elevate your garden with timeless beauty!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Coral Bark Japanese Maple Tree

Why is it called Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

The Coral Bark Japanese Maple, also known as Sango Kaku, is named for its vivid coral-red bark. The color is brightest in winter, when the bare branches glow against snow or a dormant landscape. That striking bark makes it one of the best trees for winter interest in the garden.

How big does a Coral Bark Japanese Maple get?

A Coral Bark Japanese Maple typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 30 feet. It develops a graceful, upright-spreading canopy, so give it room to reach its full width. It works well as a centerpiece, entryway accent, or feature tree in small to medium landscapes.

Does Coral Bark Japanese Maple need sun or shade?

Coral Bark Japanese Maple grows best in partial shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. That protects its delicate leaves from scorching in hot weather. It can take more sun in cooler climates, but in warm regions afternoon shade is important for healthy foliage.

What zones does Coral Bark Japanese Maple grow in?

Coral Bark Japanese Maple grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. In zones 5 and 6, mulch heavily around the base and consider wrapping young trees in burlap during extreme cold snaps to protect them from freezing winds. Mature trees become more cold hardy.

What color are Coral Bark Japanese Maple leaves in fall?

In fall, Coral Bark Japanese Maple leaves turn brilliant shades of golden-yellow, orange, and gold. In spring they emerge bright green or yellow-green, contrasting beautifully with the coral-red stems. After the leaves drop, the glowing red bark takes center stage for winter.

What soil does a Coral Bark Japanese Maple need?

A Coral Bark Japanese Maple needs well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend heavy clay or poor soil with compost to improve drainage. Avoid spots with standing water, since soggy soil can lead to root rot and fungal problems.

How often should I water a Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

Water a Coral Bark Japanese Maple 1 to 2 times per week during its first year, depending on rainfall and drainage. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant, but consistent moisture keeps it healthiest. Water at the base of the tree and avoid wetting the foliage.

When should I prune a Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

Prune a Coral Bark Japanese Maple in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve shape and airflow. Avoid heavy pruning, which triggers excessive growth that can spoil its natural form. Minor trimming after leaf-out is fine.

Can Coral Bark Japanese Maple be grown in a container?

Yes, a young Coral Bark Japanese Maple can be grown in a large container on a patio or courtyard. Use a roomy pot with drainage holes and a well-draining mix, and water consistently since containers dry out faster. Protect potted trees from hard freezes, as roots in pots are more exposed to cold.

How should I fertilize a Coral Bark Japanese Maple?

Fertilize a Coral Bark Japanese Maple once in early spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, or one for acid-loving plants. Avoid feeding in late summer or fall, which can push tender growth that will not harden off before winter. Too much fertilizer causes leggy growth.
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