Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is a highly regarded cultivar of Japanese Maple, famous for possessing arguably the most brilliant and reliable autumn colour of all the maples. It grows into a vigorous, upright small tree with a broad, rounded or vase-shaped canopy, typically reaching around 4-5 metres tall. It’s large, seven-lobed leaves are a fresh, bright green throughout spring and summer. As the weather cools in autumn, the foliage transforms into an intense, glowing scarlet or crimson, lasting for several weeks. This Japanese Maple is also noted for being tougher and more tolerant of sun and wind than many other varieties.
Care Tips:
- Position: Prefers a sheltered spot with dappled shade, but it can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, provided the soil is kept moist. Protect it from strong, hot winds, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
- Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry weather, to prevent the leaf tips from browning (leaf scorch). Mulch around the base (keeping mulch away from the trunk) to help retain soil moisture.
- Pruning: Requires very little routine pruning, as its natural vase-shaped form is highly attractive. If needed, prune sparingly in late autumn or winter while the tree is dormant. Avoid spring pruning to prevent sap bleeding.
- Fertilising: Minimal feeding is needed. A top-dressing of organic matter or a slow-release fertiliser in early spring is sufficient.
