Coral Bark Maple
Facts about the Coral Bark Maple
A tree that provides three season interest is always a sought after specimen; the coral bark maple, however, has even more to offer by adding spectacular winter value with its spectacular coral colored branches.
The coral bark maple is a versatile tree for the home garden or for a container planting; exhibiting the best growth and visual appeal in Zones 5 through 8. This means that it is pretty winter hardy in all but the coldest of climates, able to withstand winter temperatures of about -15°. Gardeners will find this maple to be a very easy one to maintain, with full sun the most effective for color except in warmer climates where afternoon shade may be desirable. As with most maple trees, the coral bark maple has a shallow root system, so an area shielded from continuous winds would be best. Mulching around the area will help the soil to maintain moisture, but avoid mulching next to the trunk.
A medium sized tree, the coral bark maple is an ideal landscape tree for any sized yard. Its 25 foot height at maturity is enough for it to cast a good amount of shade, and the dense, green foliage makes it an attractive addition as well. This maple also does very well when placed in containers, and if often used as an ornamental tree around a patio, deck or porch where it may top out at around ten feet. Its name, “Sango Kaku”, literally means coral pillar, and the branches do justice in both the coral color and the upright pillar formations.
Every season will add a new dimension of beauty and appeal to the coral bark maple. Spring is the time of rebirth, with red rimmed yellowish green leaves standing out against the red branches. These leaves will become the medium green that they will remain through the summer months, indicating the cool, refreshing shade that the tree’s 15 to 20 foot spread will provide. As fall approaches, the cool nights and warm days bring the blush of bright reds and gold hues to the coral bark maple; a stunning display of its autumn glory. These three seasons of beauty are usually enough for most trees, but the coral bark maple is not yet finished with its splendor. Throughout the winter months, the brilliant red of the branches stands out against the pristine whiteness of a snowy landscape.
For a garden that exhibits four season color and interest, few trees can compare to the beauty of the coral bark maple. Add to that its maintenance ease, moderate size and versatility as a garden or container plant and the coral bark maple emerges as a winner.