Sango kaku in Spring

Here's how the 'Sangu kaku' Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple) looks now. The leaves actually return as early as March.


Compare to mid-February, when it was transplanted while dormant.

Carson myoporum

For my challenging soils, an "invasive" type tree seems okay. I have an isolated spot for it. This fills the last square hole in the south side yard. The nearest plant is the Tenuifolium. I must admit I'm curious what would happen after several years.

Note the stabilizing posts towards the rear, which is the only way I could fit it this time. As a result, I had to fabricate a fancy shelf-anchor for the rubber straps. Perhaps too pretty as tree staking? Oh well, that's me.



Myoporum laetum 'carsonii'
Carson Myoporum
a.k.a. Sandalwood

Rapid-growing, rounded, low canopy evergreen tree with dense, glossy, dark green, linear to ovate shaped leaves and thick, furrowed bark. USDA hardiness 9-10. Loam or sandy soil, full sun, maximum height of about 35 feet, can grow at a rate of 36 inches per season. Summer purple or white flowers. Fall purple or red small fruit (0.25-0.50 inch), which can be messy and is poisonous. Note: The species is classified as a most invasive pest plant by CalEPPC (California Exotic Pest Plants). Listed under category A-2; documented as aggressive invaders that displace natives and disrupt natural habitats. Habitats of concern are horticultural; coastal riparian areas in South Coast.

15-gallon size from Home Depot $45

Project: entry roof

Major project for this year:

Nothing new

Too much rain in March.

Sango Kaku

I've actually had this tree since September 2004, but in a small container out in front, where it was apparently too sunny for the tree. Leaves got burnt early in the Fall. So now it sits pretty in this sideyard location where I can see it more often from the kitchen. Best to transplant while dormant. A little dead-heading and pruning gets it ready for the growing season.

As a slow-growing specimen that may want yet a different location at a later time, it was best to stay in a container. I decided to go all out and make a nice large box for it. The design was to use stock wood with minimal waste. Fasteners at the corners are deck screws. Each board was biscuited and glued together to come apart later as panels. Click on the small diagram to see a PDF of the drawings.

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'
Coralbark Japanese Maple

Deciduous tree, 20-25 ft (6-7.5 m), upright, twiggy, numerous stems.  Bark on young stems a brilliant coral in the fall and winter.  As branches mature, color is lost, only the 1st and 2nd year growth shows the rich coloration.  Leaves simple, opposite, 4-5 cm long, 5-7 lobes, doubly serrate, new leaves reddish, becoming light green in summer, and yellow and light red in fall. Sun to part shade, well-drained soil; protect from winds. Highly susceptible to bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae). Hardy to USDA Zone 5.