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A young Japanese Maple tree with vibrant orange and red leaves in springtime.

$55.00

is an exceptional compact coral bark Japanese maple, specifically bred to deliver the spectacular red winter stem color of larger coral bark cultivars in a dwarf, manageable size. This cultivar...
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Origin
Proudly Grown In Canada
Plants are propagated in Canada at our very own nursery here on Vancouver Island, BC.
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
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Cultivar

'Little Sango'

is an exceptional compact coral bark Japanese maple, specifically bred to deliver the spectacular red winter stem color of larger coral bark cultivars in a dwarf, manageable size. This cultivar is celebrated for its brilliant coral-red winter stems that create a stunning focal point when most gardens are dormant—the vibrant bark glows against snow, evergreens, and winter landscapes, providing exceptional four-season interest. Spring foliage emerges bright green with beautiful coral-pink tones, maturing to soft green through summer. Autumn brings vibrant golden-yellow to orange fall color for a spectacular seasonal display. The compact habit reaches just 6-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide with softer growth and smaller stature, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, patios, entryways, and tight spaces. Full sun to partial shade enhances stem color—more sun produces deeper red bark. Requires moderate moisture and well-drained soil. Perfect as a specimen in small gardens, in containers on patios and balconies, as a winter focal point, in Japanese gardens, or anywhere you want exceptional year-round color in a compact size. An essential choice for collectors seeking a dwarf coral bark maple with brilliant winter interest and multi-season beauty.

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

  • Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
  • Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
  • Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

  • Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
  • Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
  • Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
  • Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
  • Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

  • Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
  • Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
  • Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
  • Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
  • Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training
Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Size Category Height Trunk Diameter Description
4" Liners 6–12 inches ¼–½ inch Young plants ideal for training, bonsai, or growing on
Standard 1-Gallon 6–24 inches ¾–1½ inches Well-established plants suitable for landscape or container growing
1-Gallon Extra Large (XL) 12–48 inches ¾–2 inches Grown for a longer period, resulting in better branching, thicker trunks, and a more mature appearance

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.

 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum 'Little Sango'
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Mature Height
6-8 ft. tall
Mature Width
4-5 ft. wide
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sun for best stem color)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate (8-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Brilliant coral-red winter stems with compact dwarf habit and exceptional year-round interest
Brilliant Coral-Red Winter Stems

Brilliant Coral-Red Winter Stems

'Little Sango' is celebrated for its spectacular coral-red winter stems that provide stunning color when most gardens are dormant. The brilliant red bark creates a dramatic focal point against snow, evergreens, or winter landscapes—offering exceptional four-season interest that extends well beyond typical foliage displays.
Compact Dwarf Coral Bark Selection

Compact Dwarf Coral Bark Selection

A compact selection derived from coral bark types, specifically bred for reduced size while retaining the brilliant red winter stem coloration. Reaches only 6-8 feet tall with softer growth and smaller stature, making it perfect for containers, small gardens, patios, and tight spaces where full-size coral bark maples won't fit.
Multi-Season Color Interest

Multi-Season Color Interest

Spring foliage emerges bright green with coral-pink tones, maturing to soft green in summer. Autumn brings vibrant golden-yellow to orange fall color. Winter reveals the true star—brilliant coral-red stems that glow in the winter sun, providing continuous visual interest through all four seasons.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sun for best stem color)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Excellent drainage is critical for healthy growth. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot and diminished stem color.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds, though the brilliant red stems are most visible and striking during winter months. Young trees benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch on delicate foliage.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Little Sango' requires regular moisture to maintain healthy growth and vibrant stem color. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the root system. Avoid mulching too heavily as good air circulation helps prevent disease.

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