A vigorous upright red-leaf maple similar to Bloodgood but leafing out later, helping it avoid late spring frosts. Holds dark purple-red colour well in summer heat before scarlet autumn tones.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Emperor Maple
Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1' is a slow-growing tree in the Sapindaceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, purple-toned and rich in autumn colour foliage.
Where to grow Emperor Maple
Emperor Maple suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Emperor Maple does best in loamy, free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Emperor Maple does best with regular, moderate watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Emperor Maple in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Emperor Maple in the garden
Emperor Maple earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate as Emperor Maple. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Buying Emperor Maple
Plant Sale lists Emperor Maple as potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
