Acer palmatum 'PUNG KIL'

Pung Kil is a Japanese maple variety of Korean origin. It is renowned for extremely slender lobes on palmately divided leaves, yet not dissected (cut-leaf). They are bright red as they emerge, mature to deep maroon, and turn brilliant carmine red shades in autumn. Dark maroon stems provide winter interest.

Young plants exhibit an upright habit with even, dense branching. After about ten years the grow rate slows down and lateral branches spread sideways changing the habit to almost dome-shaped and elegantly arching, very dense, and regular.

Japanese maples need constantly moist soil that has to be well-drained, acidic to neutral, and medium fertile. Keep it mulched all year round. It loves a location with high air humidity, e.g., at a riverbank or near a pond but it is not a must. They can be pruned anytime during frost-free periods of winter but usually look best left to their own devices. Pung Kil maple demands full sun in constantly moist soil for the best leaf colour, but can grow in partial shade, too, where its red shades will be less pronounced and will partially change to dark green with maroon hues. Full shade is not recommended. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5), and is suitable for large outdoor planters, too, if kept moist but without a saucer.

Last update 04-01-2023