Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

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Origin
Proudly Grown In Canada
Nursery grown on Vancouver Island, BC
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
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Cultivar

'Osakazuki'

The gold standard for fall color among Japanese maples and one of the most celebrated cultivars in cultivation. 'Osakazuki' (meaning "sake cup") is legendary for producing the most brilliant, intense scarlet-crimson fall color of any Japanese maple—a glowing, fiery display that is simply unmatched. Spring foliage emerges fresh green, matures to clean, rich green through summer, then transforms in autumn to an absolutely spectacular scarlet-red that must be seen to be believed. More vigorous and easier to grow than most cultivars, with excellent cold-hardiness, heat tolerance, and adaptability to various conditions. Develops a strong upright vase-shaped form reaching 15-20 feet, making it suitable for medium to large gardens. Full sun exposure produces the most intense fall color. Perfect as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or anywhere you want guaranteed, show-stopping autumn color. An essential cultivar for any serious Japanese maple collection and the benchmark against which all other fall color is measured. If you can only grow one Japanese maple, this is it.

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

  • Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
  • Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
  • Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

  • Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
  • Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
  • Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
  • Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
  • Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

  • Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
  • Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
  • Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
  • Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
  • Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training
Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Size Category Height Trunk Diameter Description
4" Liners 6–12 inches ¼–½ inch Young plants ideal for training, bonsai, or growing on
Standard 1-Gallon 6–24 inches ¾–1½ inches Well-established plants suitable for landscape or container growing
1-Gallon Extra Large (XL) 12–48 inches ¾–2 inches Grown for a longer period, resulting in better branching, thicker trunks, and a more mature appearance

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.

 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Mature Height
15-20 ft. tall
Mature Width
12-15 ft. wide
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sun for best fall color)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast (12-24 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Legendary for the most brilliant scarlet-crimson fall color of any Japanese maple
Legendary Fall Color

Legendary Fall Color

'Osakazuki' is universally recognized as having the most brilliant scarlet-crimson fall color of any Japanese maple. The intense, glowing red is unmatched in its vibrancy and consistency, transforming the entire tree into a spectacular beacon that can be seen from across the garden.
Vigorous & Reliable

Vigorous & Reliable

More vigorous and easier to grow than most Japanese maples, 'Osakazuki' is exceptionally reliable and adaptable. Strong growth habit, excellent cold-hardiness, and resistance to leaf scorch make it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a proven, low-maintenance cultivar.
Classic Upright Form

Classic Upright Form

Develops a strong, upright vase-shaped structure with well-branched architecture. The classic form provides elegant presence in the landscape year-round, with clean green summer foliage that serves as the perfect backdrop before the spectacular autumn transformation.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sun for best fall color)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). More adaptable to various soil conditions than many cultivars. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts. More cold-hardy and adaptable than many Japanese maples. Full sun exposure enhances the legendary fall color display, though afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest climates (zone 8).

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Osakazuki' is more vigorous and drought-tolerant once established than many cultivars. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
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