Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' (Acer)

This is a Japanese Maple that is attractive through all seasons.  The bark on its younger shoots and branches is a distinctive coral red and the leaves start green with a tinge of pink, turn to a deeper green before becoming yellow with orange highlights in autumn.

History

Acer is the latin word for 'maple' and 'palmatum' refers to the shape of the leaves which look like a 'palm' or 'hand'. 'Sango Kaku' literally translates as 'Coral Tower'. Acers originate from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Eastern China.

Planting

These acers tend to have shallow fiberous root systems and will not compete with other plants. Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in compost or well rotted organic material. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots, stake the plant and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, stability in windy conditions and a good start for the plant. If planting in a container, make sure the compost contains a lot of organic matter, is well aerated and has good drainage.

Propagation

Grafting.

Cultivation

Prefers a fertile, moist but well drained, acidic soil in a sunny position with some shade and sheltered from the wind. It will tolerate a range of soils including sand and heavy clay and can cope with drought.

Aftercare

Stake the tree when young and water well until it is established. An annual application of a mulch around the base of the plant will help protect young trees from frost in winter months and in furture years, will help retain moisture, improve the soil structure and fertility. Needs little pruning only to cut out dead and diseased foliage and where necessary cut out crossing branches to retain a good shape. Pruning should be done in spring (April). If the acer is grown in a container, it should be kept moist but not wet and fed in spring and early summer. Re-pot every couple of years. It is also good practice to wrap the container in bubble wrap in winter for frost protection.

Pests

Aphids, Scale Insects, Caterpillars.

Diseases

Wilt, Leaf Spot, Honey Fungus.

Other information

This Acer has been given the 'Award of Garden Merit' by the Royal Horticultural Society. This species was also formaly known as Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'.

Height/Spread

A slow growing deciduous tree which can eventually reach up to 6m in height. This particular cultivar has a very distinctive coral red bark which is particularly striking in winter. It produces simple palmate or 'hand' shaped leaves with 7 narrow pointed lobes.  The leaves start green with a tinge of pink, then develop to a deeper green before turning golden yellow with orange highlights in autumn. Tiny purple flowers are produced in summer followed by red winged fruits.

Annual care

March

Feed acers that are grown in containers.

April

Prune only if required, cut out any dead or damaged foliage and shape if necessary.

June

Feed acers that are grown in containers.

July

Ensure the tree is well watered during prolonged dry spells.

October

Apply a mulch of well rotted organic material around the base of the tree.