This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained, acid-neutral
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This Japanese maple is grown mainly for its spectacular autumn colour, perhaps the best of all the maples. It has an open habit, and its large, seven-lobed, bright green leaves turn brilliant scarlet in autumn and last for several weeks before falling. Preferring a sheltered, shady spot, 'Osakazuki' looks dramatic silhouetted against a tall hedge or modern building.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant in a sheltered spot, away from cold winds. Dig in a hole twice the size of the root ball, add well-rotted organic matter and stake when young. Do not allow to dry out while it is getting established. Protect young trees from winter frost with a 10cm mulch of organic matter, taking care to leave space around the trunk of the tree. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant.