{"product_id":"osakazuki-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-osakazuki","title":"Osakazuki Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Ultimate Specimen Tree for Brilliant Fall Color\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcer palmatum 'Osakazuki' delivers the most spectacular fall color of any japanese maple in the world - an intense explosion of crimson-red foliage that holds for several weeks before leaf drop. This prized cultivar, native to Japan, transforms from bright chartreuse leaves in spring to lush green summer foliage, then ignites into a breathtaking scarlet display each autumn. The fall color of Osakazuki resembles a large drinking glass - the name itself references the traditional Japanese sake cup - and it's earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit since 1993 for its outstanding reliability and garden performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnmatched Fall Color\u003c\/strong\u003e – Osakazuki has one of the brightest red fall colors among all acer palmatum cultivars, producing an intense display that outshines every other japanese maple variety in the landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptionally Hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e – Osakazuki is best suited for USDA zones 5-8 and tolerates both cold winters and warm summers with remarkable resilience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Requires minimal pruning and care once established; fertilization is not often needed for Japanese maples, making this a straightforward tree to grow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Size\u003c\/strong\u003e – Osakazuki can reach 10-15 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal small tree for most residential gardens without overwhelming the space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunburn Resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e – Osakazuki's leaves are firm and larger than other palmatums, which means Osakazuki has less sunburn than other Japanese maples when planted in proper conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost japanese maple cultivars either offer modest fall color that fades quickly or require delicate, hands-on care to keep them looking their best. Many red-leafed varieties like '\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/bloodgood-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-bloodgood\"\u003eBloodgood' Japanese maple\u003c\/a\u003e or 'Atropurpureum' carry purple-red foliage all summer but can't match the dramatic autumn transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum Osakazuki\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAward-Winning Pedigree\u003c\/strong\u003e – It received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award in 1993, confirming its status as a garden merit winner with proven performance and reliability across diverse growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior Leaf Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e – Unlike laceleaf or dissected cultivars, Osakazuki features broad, 7-lobed palmate leaves that create stronger visual presence at landscape scale and resist wind damage far better\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBroader Sun Tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Osakazuki thrives in part shade to full sun, performing well in conditions where more delicate maple varieties like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/emperor-one-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-emperor-one\"\u003e'Emperor One' Japanese maples\u003c\/a\u003e would scorch and struggle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow The Osakazuki Japanese Maple Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in the Optimal Location\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a spot with well-draining, moist soil and morning sun with afternoon partial shade protection. The tree prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic, and well-draining soil - amend clay soils with organic matter for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablish a Strong Root System\u003c\/strong\u003e Water consistently during the first growing season. Young trees need moisture but mature trees are drought-tolerant once their roots are well-established. Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool - but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid decay. For detailed sizing and care information, you can review our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/osakazuki-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-osakazuki\"\u003eOsakazuki Japanese maple profile\u003c\/a\u003e as a reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy the Seasonal Display\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch as leaves emerge bright chartreuse in spring, mature into rich green summer foliage, then transform into a spectacular crimson fall display. Osakazuki is known for its intense fall color that holds for several weeks before the leaves drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Osakazuki Japanese Maple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree reaches 15 to 25 feet tall and wide at maturity; Osakazuki reaches 12-15 feet tall in 15 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate, approximately 12-15 inches per year under favorable conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree features a rounded, vase-shaped canopy with dense branching\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e It grows best in USDA zones 5-8, similar in adaptability to California-native shade species such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/engelmann-oak-quercus-engelmannii\"\u003eEngelmann oak\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Part shade to full sun; morning sun with afternoon dappled shade is ideal in warmer climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves are bright chartreuse in spring, green in summer, and crimson in fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires deep watering during hot summer spells; consistent soil moisture during establishment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low maintenance to medium maintenance depending on climate and siting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a stunning focal point specimen tree with four-season interest and who may also be considering other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for their landscape\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e wanting reliable, intense fall color without fussy, high-maintenance care routines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating seasonal interest in residential projects - pairs beautifully with needled evergreens, camellias, and woodland understory plantings, or with larger shade trees like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/october-glory%C2%AE-red-maple-acer-rubrum-october-glory\"\u003eOctober Glory® red maple\u003c\/a\u003e for multi-layered fall color\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese garden enthusiasts\u003c\/strong\u003e looking to add authentic garden elements and year-round beauty to their outdoor space, perhaps combining Osakazuki with compact cultivars like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/butterfly-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-butterfly\"\u003eButterfly Japanese maple\u003c\/a\u003e for contrast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a tree that delivers the best leaf color each autumn in perfect condition, Osakazuki fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long until I see full fall color?\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect vibrant leaf color by the second or third year after the tree is planted. Even young trees produce noticeable crimson tones - the display intensifies each year as the canopy fills out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it survive hot California summers?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Osakazuki is more heat-tolerant than most japanese maple varieties. Site it where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, maintain consistent water during summer, and mulch generously to keep roots cool. It can handle full sun in coastal areas where temperatures stay moderate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much space does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow 12-15 feet of clearance from structures and other large trees. The rounded canopy spreads wide at maturity, so give it room to develop its natural vase-shaped form without crowding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow it in a container?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, Osakazuki can be grown in containers - it even has interest as a bonsai subject - but larger specimens need spacious pots with excellent drainage. Container-grown trees require more frequent watering and winter root protection. Repot every few years as roots expand, and consider pairing with compact flowering standards like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/red-crape-myrtle\"\u003eRed Crape Myrtle tree\u003c\/a\u003e for extended seasonal color on patios and entryways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat pests should I watch for?\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and scale, which can occasionally occur on Japanese maples. Good air circulation and avoiding waterlogged soil help prevent fungal leaf spots. Healthy, well-sited trees rarely face serious pest pressure, especially when combined with resilient, sun-loving companions such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-bougainvillea-bougainvillea-spectabilis\"\u003epurple bougainvillea\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need regular pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pruning should be minimized to prevent sap bleeding. Remove only dead or crossing branches during late fall or winter dormancy. The goal is to maintain the tree's natural scaffold structure rather than control size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I fertilize it?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertilization is not often needed for Japanese maples. A light, balanced feed in early spring is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in late summer, as this can push tender new growth that's vulnerable to winter damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Garden?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOsakazuki Japanese Maple delivers award-winning brilliance - the kind of intense, crimson autumn display that stops neighbors in their tracks and makes your garden the talk of the street, comparable in impact to larger shade selections like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd the Osakazuki to your landscape and experience what the Royal Horticultural Society recognized over three decades ago: this is the most spectacular fall color a japanese maple can offer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":45193149743277,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Acerosakuzi.jpg?v=1762721023","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/osakazuki-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-osakazuki","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}