Plant Profile: Japanese Maple Osakazuki (Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’)

by Karen on October 20, 2009

Japanese-Maple-Tree-Acer-palmatum-OsakazukiJapanese maples in general have much to offer the home garden including small size, interesting texture, and attractive color. The cultivar, ‘Osakazuki’, is noted for its fabulous autumn color and is considered by many to be the best of the Japanese maples in this regard. Seven-lobed olive green leaves are produced in spring, persist during summer, and turn brilliant scarlet in fall. In moist soil and a protected site the plant grows at a moderate rate into a rounded and bushy tree that is attractive with or without its leaves.

Type: Deciduous tree.

Bloom: Not significant.

Size: 20′ H x 20’ W.

Light: Sun with afternoon shade in the South; also, filtered shade in South.

Soil: Rich, moist, well drained. Will not do well in dry soil.

Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring every 3-5 years.

Hardiness: Zones 5-8.

Pests and Diseases: Japanese beetles.

Propagation: Most plants for sale are grafted to ensure desirable characteristics, especially the brilliant autumn coloration.

Comments: Dislikes exposed sites; grows poorly in heavy shade.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

easygardener October 20, 2009 at 9:42 am

It positively glows with colour. I wish I had room for one.

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Karen October 22, 2009 at 8:36 am

You are right about the color! The various cultivars can add color as well as interesting texture all over a garden. i can’t have enough of them.

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