Acer palmatum 'Senkaki' or 'Coral Bark Maple' with its attractive red trunk makes an outstanding feature tree when grown against a contrasting background this tree looks fantastic, even in winter when the red stems provide a vibrant color. The real beauty of this cultivar is the red bark in winter, when the tree is bare the intensity of the bark is outstanding.
These attractive maples can be successfully grown in a large pot or conatiner in a courtyard situation as long as they are not subjected to hot dry conditions.
Nice green foliage turning in autumn to an apricot - deep yellow and again like all Japanese Maples growth is slow to moderate with this particular cultivar reaching 5 -6m with a nice vase shape with a 5m crown final size depending on conditions . Dig some well rotted compost into the planting hole 2-3 weeks before planting for best results.
A humus rich moist soil is best and protection from hot drying winds will prevent scorching during summer and relieve stress. Best time to plant - try autumn when the soil is still warm and the tree can put on some root growth before winter.
Deep watering during dry periods if soil tends to dry out. Acer palmatum 'Senkaki' requires little extra care, any dead wood can be removed, pruning is generally not required as it holds its shape well.
