Acer ‘Osakazuki’

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is one Japanese maple cultivar (Japanese Maple) valued especially for spectacular fall color, beautiful form and adaptability in ornamental gardens.

 General description

• Name: Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' (Japanese maple 'Osakazuki')

• Family: Sapindaceae

• Plant type: Decorative tree or shrub with distinctive foliage.

• Origin: Japan and East Asia.

• Height: Approximately 4–8 m (15–25 ft) at maturity; similar width.

• Form: Round crown, elegant, with fine branches.

 Foliage and colors

• Spring – summer: Fresh green leaves, sometimes tinged with orange when young.

• Autumn: The foliage gets one of the most intense red-crimson shades of all Japanese maples – that's why it's so popular in gardens.

 Cultivation conditions

• Exposure: Full sun or partial shade; for more intense autumn colors a little sun is recommended.

• Soil: Prefers soils moist, organic, slightly acidic and well drained.

• Watered: Regular watering, especially in dry periods.

• Maintenance: It requires little maintenance; trimming is rarely necessary and is usually done during periods of dormant season.

 Endurance and tolerance

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Approximately 5–8 (temperate areas).

• It resists sunburn better than other Japanese maples and tolerates wind and moderate drought.

• May be susceptible to some common maple pests and diseases (eg aphids, mites, verticillium wilt).

 Uses in landscaping

'Osakazuki' is often used as:

• Accent tree in an open space

• Planting in Japanese gardens