Acer Palmatum 'Senkaki'

Coral Bark Maple

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ (syn. ‘Sango-kaku’)
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: Japan
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree

Overview

Famed for its coral-red stems in winter, Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ has fresh light green leaves (often red-edged in spring) that turn gold to apricot in autumn. Graceful, layered branching makes a stunning feature or courtyard tree. Best with morning sun / afternoon shade and shelter from hot, dry winds in SA.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4-7 m H x 3-5 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Light green, finely lobed; gold–apricot autumn colour
• Flowers: Inconspicuous (spring); grown for stems & foliage, not bloom
• Seasonal Interest: Spring red-edged flush • Lush summer canopy • Brilliant autumn colour • Coral-red winter stems
• Wildlife Value: Branching structure provides small-bird habitat
• Tolerance: Frost hardy once established; heat/wind sensitive—prefers protection
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 4–6 m apart (most commonly used as a specimen)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs (ingestion of any plant may cause mild tummy upset)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Morning sun / part shade (shade from hot afternoon sun)
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loam; keep roots cool with mulch
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: keep evenly moist; deep soak weekly in summer (more in heatwaves); infrequent in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; avoid hard pruning (light shape in winter); protect from hot, dry winds
• Lifespan: 40–80+ years in good conditions
• Climate Zones: Temperate SA; avoid frontline coastal exposure
• Soil pH: Acidic–Neutral (may yellow on high-alkaline soils)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature tree for courtyards and entries
• Winter interest from coral stems
• Underplant with shade lovers
• Large containers (while young)
  
• Japanese/woodland schemes

Why You Will Love It

Four seasons of beauty—coral stems, delicate foliage, and glowing autumn colour—all in a refined, compact tree.