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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Emperor Maple is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Emperor Maple in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Emperor Maple with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Emperor Maple
Plant Sale lists Emperor Maple as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.