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Emperor Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Emperor'

Original price $233.99
Original price $233.99 - Original price $233.99
Original price $233.99
Current price $162.95 each
$162.95 - $162.95
Current price $162.95 each

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Will thrive in

Not suited for outdoor growing in

Select Size: 2-3 Feet 24-36" Tall

The Emperor Japanese Maple also known as Emperor I is a popular cultivar of Japanese Maple known for its vibrant red foliage throughout the seasons. This dwarf tree matures to 10-15 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens. In spring, the tree produces small reddish-purple flowers, followed by large, wine-colored leaves.

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Emperor Japanese Maple: Vibrant Red Foliage All Season Long

Witness the fiery magic of the Emperor Japanese Maple firsthand as its crimson-red leaves unfurl in spring, transforming into a deep, rich burgundy by summer. Fall ignites the Emperor Japanese Maple in a blaze of scarlet and crimson, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This vibrant dwarf tree is the perfect way to add a touch of drama to your landscape, ensuring you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood year-round.

  • Stunning red foliage throughout all seasons
  • Compact size (10-15 feet), perfect for smaller gardens
  • Reddish-purple blooms add a pop of color
  • Blackish-red bark adds year-round interest
  • Thrives in both full sun and part shade

The Emperor Japanese Maple boasts a mesmerizing display of foliage that transforms throughout the seasons. In spring, the tree awakens with a flush of new growth, its leaves emerging a captivating reddish-purple. These delicate leaves unfurl with a thin, almost translucent texture, allowing sunlight to dance through their lacy network of veins.

As summer settles in, the vibrant reddish-purple matures into a deep, rich burgundy. The leaves maintain their delicate, palmate form, showcasing 5 to 7 deeply cut lobes that flutter gently in the breeze. But the true spectacle arrives in fall. With the changing temperatures, the Emperor Japanese Maple undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The burgundy leaves ignite in a fiery display of color, morphing into a mesmerizing mix of scarlet and crimson.

History of the Emperor Japanese Maple

Unlike many Japanese Maples with a rich, centuries-old heritage, the Emperor Japanese Maple boasts a shorter, American tale. It wasn’t cultivated in Japan but rather originated in a Pennsylvania nursery sometime in the late 20th century. The exact breeder remains unknown, but credit is often given to Dick Wolf of Red Maple Nurseries. While details are fuzzy, what’s clear is the Emperor Japanese Maple quickly gained recognition for its vibrant foliage and compact size, becoming a popular choice for home gardeners across North America.

Emperor Japanese Maple Planting Distance

Image demonstrates how far apart to plant Emperor Japanese Maple

How to Plant Emperor Japanese Maple

Choose the Right Spot

Emperor Japanese Maples prefer dappled shade or partial sun. Avoid intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, to prevent leaf scorch. Well-drained, acidic soil is key. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and lower the pH.

Measure the Space

Mature Emperor Japanese Maples reach 10-15 feet tall and wide. Consider their full size when choosing a planting location. Space multiple trees 15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

Dig the Hole

Dig a hole roughly twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your Emperor Japanese Maple. This allows for proper root expansion and prevents future crowding. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root development.

Plant It

Gently remove your Emperor Japanese Maple from its container and loosen any circling roots. Position the tree in the hole so the crown (where the roots meet the stem) sits at ground level. Avoid planting too deep or shallow. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets and secure the plant in place.

Water Thoroughly

After planting, water your Emperor Japanese Maple deeply to settle the soil around the roots and help it overcome transplant shock. Aim to soak the root ball thoroughly.

Mulch and Care

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree (avoiding the stem) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Replenish the mulch layer annually. Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season, then adjust based on rainfall. Aim for consistently moist, but not soggy, soil.

Why Choose Emperor Japanese Maple?

This tree isn’t just about curb appeal, it’s about creating a backyard oasis, a place to relax and reconnect with nature’s beauty. The Emperor Maple isn’t just stunning, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance, thriving with minimal care. And best of all, it grows fast, so you won’t have to wait years to enjoy its breathtaking display. Buy your Emperor Japanese Maple today and watch your home become the envy of the block.

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