Osakazuki Japanese Maple

Osakazuki Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki') is the variety maple collectors point to when asked about autumn colour: broad seven lobed leaves that hold a fresh apple green all summer, then ignite into the most intense crimson scarlet in the genus. It grows as an upright, gracefully spreading small tree to about 5m tall and 4m wide, with non invasive roots and a pet friendly record, ideal as the signature tree of a courtyard, entry or sheltered lawn.

Why you'll love it

• The benchmark for autumn red. Osakazuki's fluorescent scarlet is the colour other maples are measured against, and it turns reliably even in milder gardens.
• A four season tree. Lime green spring growth, cool green summer canopy, the autumn fire, then elegant bare architecture in winter.
• Sized for real gardens. At 5m by 4m it shades a seat, frames a window or anchors a courtyard without threatening anything.
• Safe roots, safe leaves. Non invasive roots near paving, and no toxicity worries for cats or dogs.
• Happy in a large pot. A tubbed Osakazuki gives balcony and townhouse gardeners the full autumn event.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it a position you see daily, morning sun, afternoon shelter, and let autumn do the advertising.

Courtyards and small gardens. The refined scale and clean habit suit tight spaces and layered plantings.

Pots and balconies. A 50cm to 60cm container in a sheltered aspect keeps it thriving for many years.

Growing Osakazuki in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun with protection from hot afternoon wind is the recipe; leaf scorch from dry summer gusts is the one thing it holds against you. It performs best in cool temperate and warm temperate climates, and it is fully frost hardy.

Soil. Moist, organic and free draining, on the slightly acidic side. Compost generously at planting and mulch 75mm deep over the shallow roots.

Water and feed. Even moisture through the warm months keeps the canopy pristine; a dry maple scorches at the leaf edge first. Feed lightly with a controlled release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. Barely needed. Remove dead or crossing twigs in winter and let the natural vase shape develop; maples resent heavy cutting.

What to expect when it arrives

Osakazuki ships as single 300mm and 400mm trees with the branch structure already forming, and as advanced 45L stock that arrives with real presence and delivers a full autumn display in its first season. All sizes are currently in stock. Delivery is Australia wide, from $29.95, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery, and advanced stock is freighted at cost. Winter deliveries arrive bare and leaf out beautifully in spring. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More plants for autumn colour
• Browse all deciduous trees
• Plants proven in pots

Common questions

Will it colour in Brisbane or Sydney?

Osakazuki is among the most reliable colourers in warm gardens, and coastal Sydney trees turn well most years. In the subtropics colour is softer and the tree needs afternoon shade; south of Sydney it is spectacular.

How fast does it grow?

Steady rather than fast, roughly 30cm to 40cm a year. The 45L size exists so the tree looks established from day one.

Why are my leaf edges brown and crispy?

Wind scorch or dry roots, the classic maple complaints. Improve shelter, water deeply in heat, and the next flush comes through clean.

Is it safe near paving and pets?

Yes on both counts. The fibrous root system behaves near paths, and Japanese maples carry no toxicity concerns for cats or dogs.