On a foggy winter morning, bright streaks of coral rise from the dead stalks of last summer's flowers. The Sango-Kaku Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), commonly known as the coral bark maple, provides a focal point in the garden to cheer even the gloomiest day. Its graceful branches, bare during the cold winter months, wrap themselves in pale green leaves when spring arrives. Deepening in color through the warmer months, the leaves turn yellow, orange and red in the fall. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 8, most Japanese maple varieties thrive in cool coastal climates, preferring dappled shade in the inland valleys.
Select a sheltered, well-draining location in the garden, where the coral bark maple will provide visual interest year-round. If your soil is a heavy clay or drains poorly, consider building a raised planter bed for the tree.
Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball. Carefully remove the coral bark maple from the grower's pot and place it in the hole. Backfill with unamended soil, tamping gently around the roots.
Water the tree thoroughly. Continue to water regularly, when the soil is dry to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
Add a 3-inch layer of loose bark mulch over the garden bed, pulling it 4 to 5 inches away from the tree's trunk. Mulch helps keep the soil moist during the dry, windy periods common to Mediterranean climates.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees in early spring, when the tree is still dormant. Scatter the fertilizer lightly over the soil, all the way to the reach of the tree's outer branches, and water thoroughly.
Prune when the tree is dormant. Shape the coral bark maple only to maintain its natural form, removing dead or crossing branches.
Monitor the coral bark maple for pests such as aphids, caterpillars and spider mites. While a strong blast of water removes many pests, in severe infestations an application of neem horticultural oil may be necessary.
Cover young trees with sheets or plastic when a hard frost is forecast. Water a coral bark maple thoroughly the day before the frost so the tree is completely hydrated before the cold, dry weather desiccates the leaves and branches.
Things You Will Need
- Bark mulch
- Fertilizer, 10-10-10 formulation for shrubs and trees
- Anvil pruners
- Neem horticultural oil spray
- Sheets or plastic sheeting
- Protect all Japanese maple varieties from wind; summer or winter, the wind will dry the tree out, damaging the leaves and branches.
- Plant in sun or partially-shaded gardens in cool coastal regions.
- Plant on the north side of the house or in dappled shade in the hot interior valleys.
- Plant in groups of three, adding smaller shrubs, perennials and bulbs to the garden bed for a natural appearance.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses when digging, planting and pruning trees.