O taki

Character & interest

‘O taki’ brings that classic “full moon” presence: bold foliage, a small-tree silhouette, and an end of season that can be seen from afar. It’s an excellent choice if you like Japanese maples that are green in summer but finish with a particularly strong red autumn display. In spring, it can also show a more nuanced look on the very youngest leaves (depending on climate and exposure), adding an extra seasonal highlight.

Colours

• Spring : green at budbreak, sometimes with a reddish tint on young leaves/shoots depending on conditions.

• Summer : green to lighter green (fully settled foliage).

• Autumn : bright red (often very vivid), with possible red-orange nuances.

Habit & vigour

Large shrub / small tree habit, fairly upright at first then more rounded with age. Good vigour for an Acer japonicum: steady growth if the soil stays cool in summer.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often around 2.5 to 3.5 m tall at about 10 years,

• with about 1.5 to 2.5 m spread at that age (depending on training and conditions),

• in the very long term, it can develop into a broader small tree when planted in the ground.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. To support growth and foliage quality, a sheltered spot away from drying winds and scorching afternoon sun is recommended.