SANGO KAKU JAPANESE MAPLE

Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’

This is the famous coral-bark Japanese maple, popular for its stunning bright coral red bark in the winter.  Although Sango Kaku is traditionally grown as a single-trunked specimen tree, we may suggest that some new possibilities are opened-up by having it on its own roots.  One possibility could be to grow multi-stemmed Sango Kaku trees, or perhaps a shrub-form Sango Kaku that is renewed periodically by cutting them back to the ground like Cornus sericea cultivars (just imagine clumps of hot coral pink stems planted en masse, what a sight!).  If left to its own devices, this variety should attain 25’ in height with a spread of about 20’ with a vase-shaped habit.  Fall color is also a fairly nice yellow gold.  Adapted to USDA zones 6 to 8.

JOE WITT MANCHURIAN STRIPEBARK MAPLE

Acer tegmentosum ‘Joe Witt’

Named in honor of its discover; this beautiful Snakebark maple sports pure alabaster white bark in midwinter.  This variety is considered by many snakebark connoisseurs to be the best of the white stem selections.  Snakebark maples are somewhat difficult to grow; for success with this plant one needs to provide good drainage, but with adequate fertility and irrigation.  The species can reach heights of 30’, but in most situations this selection should top out between 10 and 15’.  Due to its oversize leaves, it seems best suited to partial shade, especially in warmer zones.  Adapted to USDA zones 4 or 5 to 7 or 8.