Acer palmatum osakazuki is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching a height of 512 metres (1639 ft), rarely to 15 m (49 ft), with a trunk up to 30 cm (12 in) diameter. The bark is smooth, often with horizontal lenticels, and brown to reddish-brown in colour, sometimes with a cream or pink tinge. The branchlets are slender, and young shoots are often coloured purple. The leaves are 615 centimetres (2.45.9 in) long and 49 cm (1.63.5 in) broad, with five to seven (sometimes nine) blunt, rounded lobes with a serrated margin. They are arranged spirally, but with the leaves at the end of the shoot flattened or twisted to appear whorled. The upper surface is mid to dark green, and the underside paler; both surfaces are hairy, especially on the veins. The leaves turn brilliant shades of red and yellow in autumn before falling.
Related plant:
Acer Shrub
Related plant:
Acer Shirasawanum
About soil condition, Acer palmatum osakazuki does well in average to moist conditions, and prefers acidic soil. It is not particular about soil type, doing well in loam, sand, or clay, as long as it is well-drained. This tree will not tolerate wet feet, and will quickly show distress if its roots are waterlogged.
Not too different with other Japanese maples, the Acer palmatum Osakazuki requires full sun to partial shade to maintain its vibrant coloring. It's a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet and a spread of 8 to 15 feet, making it ideal for small yards. Osakazuki is known for its delicate, five-lobed leaves that turn a beautiful deep red in the fall.
The temperature conditions that are most ideal for the Acer palmatum Osakazuki are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this tree can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 30-40% Acer Palmatum Osakazuki is a very beautiful plant that is native to Japan. It has long been popular in gardens there. It is a deciduous tree that typically grows to 15-20 feet tall. The leaves are deeply lobed and palmatum shaped, hence the name. The leaves are a deep green in spring and summer. In fall, the leaves turn a beautiful red, which is why this plant is often planted in gardens for fall color. The flowers are small and white and appear in spring. The fruit is a small, red samara. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including dry soils. It is also tolerant of wind and salt spray. This plant is not tolerant of wet, poorly drained soils. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is 30-40%.
Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require too much. In general, a light application of compost or other organic matter in early spring is all that is necessary. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow and spread out, so be careful not to damage them when you are working around the plant.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining your Acer palmatum Osakazuki. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Also remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant. You can prune to shape the plant, or to maintain a smaller size. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Propagation of Acer palmatum Osakazuki is best done by seed, although cuttings can also be used. Seed should be sown in spring in a cold frame or seedbed, and the seedlings transplanted to their permanent positions in autumn. Cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots in late spring or early summer and given a rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained potting mix.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to medium. In ideal conditions, they may grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) a year. However, under less than ideal conditions, they may only grow 6 inches (15 cm) a year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with a regular spraying program using an insecticide. If the plant is heavily infested, you may need to use a stronger pesticide. Another problem that can occur is leaf scorch. This is caused by a lack of moisture in the soil. Make sure to water the plant deeply and regularly during dry periods.
Source:
Osakazuki Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum Osakazuki - PNW
Japanese Maple | Yale Nature Walk
Acer palmatum var. dissectum - North Carolina State University