Alphabetical Plant Listing

Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' (Japanese Maple)

Japanese Maple 'Emperor I', Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1', Acer palmatum 'Emperor One', Acer palmatum 'Wolff'


An outstanding cultivar of Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' is a small, upright, wide-crowned tree of great beauty in all seasons. The delicate foliage of large, 5-7 pointed, lobed leaves emerges deep purple-red in spring, holds its color throughout summer, and turns vibrant crimson-red in fall before shedding to the ground. As the leaves fall, they expose the blackish red bark, adding interest to the winter landscape. Vigorous, this graceful maple tree stands out in the landscape and is suitable as a focal point or as the perfect foil for a mass of green in the landscape.

Often compared to the famous 'Bloodgood' cultivar, 'Emperor I' is noted for its longer leaf retention. Its leaves bud out about 2 weeks later in spring, thus reducing the risk of damage from late frosts. Moreover, it holds its fantastic color well in shade and is also more versatile.

  • Grows up to 15 ft. tall and wide (450 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by a lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or for Japanese gardens.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
  • May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Acer - Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 13' – 15' (3.9m – 4.5m)
Spread 13' – 15' (3.9m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

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123rf, F.D. Richards, Cultivar413 (Flickr)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Acer - Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 13' – 15' (3.9m – 4.5m)
Spread 13' – 15' (3.9m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Acer - Maples

Guides with Acer - Maples

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