Osakazuki Akame Japanese Maple

Osakazuki Akame Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki Akame')

Osakazuki Akame Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki Akame') is an upright, well branched selection noted for red flushed spring growth that matures to clean medium green in summer and transforms to intense scarlet in fall; its symmetrical, medium sized canopy and large classic leaves provide strong seasonal color and structure for lawns, entries, and mixed borders.

Distinctive Features

'Osakazuki Akame' combines the famed scarlet fall color of Osakazuki with showy red spring tips; broad, five to seven lobed leaves and a tidy framework create a bold specimen with a refined winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; offer afternoon protection in hot regions to reduce scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain steady moisture; avoid drought and standing water.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 12 to 18 ft tall, 10 to 14 ft wide, upright rounded form.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Brilliant scarlet fall canopy anchors island beds and lawns.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with color and shade.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and gold or blue foliage plants.
• Court yards and Patios: Works as a single specimen or matched pair.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, gravel, and water features.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Light structural edits in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and light afternoon shade in hot sites to limit leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Osakazuki Akame Japanese Maple?

• Iconic Fall Color: Consistently vivid scarlet display.
• Spring Interest: Red flushed new growth adds early season pop.
• Strong Structure: Balanced branching and medium stature suit many designs.
• Design Flexibility: Effective as specimen, pair, or border anchor.
• Reliable Performance: Dependable color and growth with modest care.

For peak scarlet color and vigor, plant in bright light with light afternoon shade in hot climates and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.