Otome Zakura Japanese Maple

Otome Zakura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Otome zakura')

Otome Zakura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Otome zakura') is a compact, upright selection with small, finely lobed leaves that flush bright rosy red in spring, mature to medium green with red highlights in summer, and finish vivid scarlet in fall; its dense, well branched canopy provides refined texture and four season structure for entries, borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Otome zakura' combines showy pink red spring color with petite foliage on short internodes, forming a tidy, upright rounded framework that reads elegant in leaf and clean in winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; offer afternoon protection in hot regions to limit 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: 6 to 10 ft tall, 4 to 8 ft wide, upright rounded habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Pink red spring canopy creates a standout accent in small spaces.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with color and fine texture.
• Containers: Performs well in large, sheltered planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and light green shrubs.
• 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 light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and partial afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Otome Zakura Japanese Maple?

• Spring Spark: Rosy red flush rare among compact uprights.
• Small Space Ready: Manageable size for patios and front borders.
• Refined Texture: Petite leaves and dense branching read elegant.
• Seasonal Brilliance: Bright spring, fresh summer, and scarlet fall.
• Design Flexibility: Effective as specimen, pair, or container feature.

For the clearest spring color and best vigor, plant in bright morning light with afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.