Coral Bark Japanese Maple
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1 ft/year)
- Part Shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku') offers something few other trees provide: brilliant coral-red bark on young stems that becomes the season's main feature once leaves drop in winter, turning an otherwise bare tree into a striking focal point against a Georgia winter landscape. Its foliage is bright green through spring and summer, taking on gold and orange fall tones before dropping to reveal the vivid stem color, which is most intense on young, vigorous growth and fades somewhat on older wood. It grows at a moderate pace to 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, with an upright, somewhat vase-shaped habit. Like other Japanese maples, it needs afternoon shade protection from Georgia's intense summer sun and well-drained soil; leaf scorch on the margins is the most common issue in overly hot, dry, or sunny sites. Periodic renewal pruning of older stems encourages new coral-colored growth, since the brightest bark color occurs on one- to two-year-old wood rather than aged branches.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 15-20 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 10-15 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Part Shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred) |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, avoid drought stress |
| Bloom Season | N/A (grown for foliage and winter bark color) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Coral Bark Japanese Maple in morning sun with afternoon shade, in well-drained soil enriched with compost if planting in heavy Georgia clay. Mulch to retain consistent moisture and prevent heat stress on roots. To maximize winter bark color, prune out a portion of older, duller stems every few years to encourage fresh coral-red new growth, which shows the brightest color.
Fast Facts
- Brilliant coral-red bark, most visible in winter after leaf drop
- Mature size: 15-20 ft tall, 10-15 ft wide
- Bark color is brightest on young 1-2 year old stems
- Gold and orange fall foliage color
- Deer resistant, needs afternoon shade and well-drained soil
- Renewal pruning encourages the brightest winter bark color
Pairs Well With
Coral Bark Japanese Maple FAQs
Why is my Coral Bark Maple's bark not very red?
Coral Bark Japanese Maple shows its brightest coral-red color on young, one- to two-year-old stems, while older wood gradually fades to brownish-gray. Periodically pruning out some older stems encourages fresh, vividly colored new growth, and full winter sun exposure also intensifies the bark's color.
Is Coral Bark Japanese Maple deer resistant?
Yes, Coral Bark Japanese Maple is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for Gwinnett County properties bordering wooded areas with regular deer traffic. As with any "deer resistant" plant, hungry deer in a hard winter may still sample new growth occasionally, but damage is typically minimal.