Acer Palmatum Osakazuki

• Originates from Japan and Korea, where it naturally grows in mountainous forests with filtered light and cool, humid conditions.
• Features palmate leaves with 5-7 pointed lobes that emerge fresh green, transforming to the most intense scarlet-red autumn display of any Japanese maple variety.
• Grows as a small deciduous tree with an elegant, spreading canopy and graceful branching structure that becomes more architectural with age.
• Beloved by gardeners worldwide for its reliable and spectacular autumn colour that develops earlier and more intensely than most other maple cultivars.

• Water 2-3 times weekly during growing season, reducing to weekly in winter. Check soil moisture 5cm deep before watering.
• Position in morning sun with afternoon shade, particularly in hot Australian climates. Dappled light provides optimal growing conditions.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost and organic matter. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
• Feed with slow-release fertiliser in early spring, avoiding high-nitrogen feeds that reduce autumn colour intensity.
• Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape, removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
• Maintain humidity with regular mulching and group plantings. Protect from hot, dry winds with windbreaks or strategic positioning.
• Reduce care in winter during dormancy, allowing natural leaf drop and minimising disturbance to root zone.

• Provide morning sun with afternoon shade protection, especially during harsh Australian summers. Dappled light under taller trees creates ideal growing conditions.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during hot weather but avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Maintain consistent humidity around the plant by mulching heavily and grouping with other plants. Avoid placing near heating vents or in windy locations.
• Protect from hot, dry winds and temperatures above 35°C with shade cloth or strategic placement. Cool morning temperatures enhance autumn colour development.
• Reduce watering in winter and avoid fertilising during dormancy period from June to August.

• Scale insects can attach to branches and leaves, causing yellowing and weak growth. Treat with horticultural oil or remove manually with a soft brush.
• Leaf scorch occurs during hot, dry winds or intense afternoon sun. Provide afternoon shade and maintain consistent soil moisture during summer.
• Root rot develops in poorly draining soils or with overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Aphids may cluster on new growth in spring. Spray off with water or use insecticidal soap for severe infestations.