How to Grow Acer Palmatum Osakazuki - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Acer palmatum osakazuki is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching a height of 5–12 metres (16–39 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 6–15 centimetres (2.4–5.9 in) long and 4–9 cm (1.6–3.5 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.

How to Grow Acer Palmatum Osakazuki - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Osakazuki Japanese Maple
  • Sangu Komachi
  • Scarlet Maple
  • Bloodveined Maple
  • Akajinoti

Common Knowledge

  • Acer palmatum osakazuki is a beautiful Japanese maple tree that is known for its bright red leaves.
  • This tree is native to the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku in Japan.
  • Acer palmatum osakazuki grows to a height of 20-25 feet and has a spread of 15-20 feet.
  • The leaves of this tree are 2-5 inches long and have a lobed shape.
  • Acer palmatum osakazuki produces small, yellow-green flowers in spring, followed by red fruits in summer.
  • This tree is best planted in moist, well-drained soil in a location that receives partial sun to full shade.
  • Acer palmatum osakazuki is relatively low maintenance and does not require much pruning.
  • This tree is susceptible to a few diseases and pests, including aphids, scale, and Verticillium wilt.
  • Acer palmatum osakazuki is a popular tree for use in bonsai.
  • The Japanese name for this tree, osakazuki, means "to carry on one's back."

Related plant:
Acer Shrub

How to Grow

  1. For acer palmatum osakazuki, first step is to find or buy a plant that is already growing. You can find these plants at nurseries or online.
  2. Once you have the plant, choose a spot in your garden that gets partial sun or filtered light.
  3. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  5. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Mulch the area around the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year with an organic fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to keep it growing healthy and to control its size.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful acer palmatum osakazuki plant!

Related plant:
Acer Shirasawanum

Soil Requirement

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.

About light

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.

Good Temperature

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.

Humidity Level

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%.

The Fertilizer

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.

Plant Pruning

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.

Plant Propagation

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.

Growth Speed

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.

Basic Problems

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.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your Acer palmatum Osakazuki during the growing season.
  • Fertilize your plant regularly using a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Place your plant in an area with lots of bright, indirect light.
  • Protect your plant from drafts and cold temperatures.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly.
  • Make sure the soil around your plant is well-draining.
  • Use a humidity tray or mist your plant regularly to increase humidity.
  • Take care not to overwater your plant.
  • Give your Acer palmatum Osakazuki plenty of time to mature before transplanting.

Substitution

  • Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer palmatum 'Linearilobum' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer palmatum 'Thunbergii' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer palmatum 'Variagatum' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer palmatum 'Yamato-nishiki' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.
  • Acer shirasawanum 'Red Pygmy' is a similar plant of Acer palmatum 'Os

Source:
Osakazuki Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ - PNW …
Japanese Maple | Yale Nature Walk
Acer palmatum var. dissectum - North Carolina State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category