Upright Japanese Maple Senkaki

Acer palmatum Senkaki (Coral Bark Maple)

General Information

• Common Name: Coral Bark Maple
• Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ (syn. Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’)
• Family: Sapindaceae
• Origin: Native to Japan and Korea

Description

• Growth Habit: A medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright and spreading growth habit.
• Size: Typically grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide.
• Lifespan: Can live for several decades with proper care.

Key Features

• Bark Color: One of its most striking features is its bright coral-red bark, especially vibrant in winter when the tree is leafless.
• Leaves:
  • Shape: Typical Acer palmatum palmate leaves with 5–7 lobes.
  • Spring: Light green to yellow-green foliage with reddish edges.
  • Summer: Bright green leaves provide a delicate, airy canopy.
  • Autumn: Brilliant golden-yellow to orange fall color.
• Flowers: Small reddish-purple flowers appear in spring but are not particularly showy.
• Fruits: Small, winged samaras (seeds) appear in late summer to early autumn.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade to full sun, but in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soil. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: Moderate watering; needs consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but can tolerate dry conditions with sufficient watering.

Care and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Minimal pruning required, mostly for shape and removing dead or damaged branches.
  • Best pruned in late summer or early autumn to avoid excessive sap bleeding in early spring.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilization: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive soft growth.
• Pests & Diseases:
  • Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and Japanese beetles.
  • May experience fungal issues like verticillium wilt, leaf spot, and powdery mildew in humid conditions.
  • Proper airflow and well-draining soil help prevent diseases.

Landscape Uses

• Ornamental Tree: Perfect for gardens, courtyards, and Japanese-style landscapes.
• Winter Interest: The bright coral-red bark adds color to winter landscapes.
• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers with proper care and regular root pruning.
• Companion Plants: Pairs well with ferns, hostas, azaleas, and other shade-loving plants in woodland gardens.

Propagation

• Typically propagated by grafting, as seeds may not produce true-to-type offspring.

Senkaki Coral Bark Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ is a striking ornamental tree known for its coral-red bark, vibrant seasonal foliage, and elegant growth habit. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture and protection from extreme heat. With proper care, it is a stunning addition to gardens, providing year-round beauty.