Pung Kil Japanese Maple

Pung Kil Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Pung kil')

Pung Kil Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Pung kil') is an upright red leaved selection with foliage that emerges bright crimson, settles to burgundy to purplish red in summer, and finishes vivid scarlet in fall; its well branched, rounded to vase shaped canopy delivers strong color and refined structure for entries, borders, and courtyards.

Distinctive Features

'Pung kil' bears broad, five to seven lobed leaves with dependable red tones and a tidy framework that reads elegant in leaf and clean in winter silhouette, typically maturing as a medium sized specimen suited to close viewing.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions to limit leaf scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain steady moisture; avoid drought and soggy soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 10 to 15 ft tall, 8 to 12 ft wide, upright rounded to vase shaped.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Season long red tones anchor front yards and island beds.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with color and shade.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with green and gold shrubs and conifers.
• Court yards and Patios: Provides structure and multiseason interest.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, gravel, and water features.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Light structural pruning in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally resilient in well drained soil.

Why Choose Pung Kil Japanese Maple?

• Color Staying Power: Crimson spring, burgundy summer, and scarlet fall foliage.
• Refined Structure: Balanced branching and medium stature suit many designs.
• Design Contrast: Bold red canopy pops against evergreens and stone.
• Manageable Size: Ideal scale for residential landscapes and patios.
• Reliable Performer: Consistent growth and ornamental value with modest care.

For the richest color and healthiest canopy, pair bright morning sun with light afternoon shade in hot climates and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.