- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 20 - 25 Feet
- Mature Spread 20 - 25 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Japanese Maples are popular and widely grown for their intense foliage color. Perhaps one of the best examples for a smaller garden has to be the Emperor I® Japanese Maple. Botanically known as Acer palmatum Emperor I®, this small tree produces the most stunning foliage in shades of red and purple. Growing to approximately 20-25 feet tall and wide, this superb Japanese Maple comes into leaf slightly later than some other varieties, making it less susceptible to frosts.
The Acer palmatum Emperor I® puts on new growth quickly and forms an attractive upright habit. As their name suggests, Japanese Maples originate from Asia and due to their ornamental characteristics, tend to be grown as specimen trees. Due to its relatively small size, the Acer palmatum Emperor I® is often grown where it can be seen and appreciated.
Emperor I® Japanese Maple Care
To get the most from its colorful foliage, the Acer palmatum Emperor I® is best planted in full sun or partial shade. Ideally grown in fertile, moist and free-draining soil, it can tolerate most soils apart from those that are highly alkaline. After planting, frequent watering is necessary for its first season or two and during any future hot and dry spells. A yearly mulch of organic matter can help conserve moisture. Due to its vigorous growth and final size, care must be taken when siting this tree so as not to interfere with any overhead lines or structures.
Regular pruning is not generally necessary. However, if any dead, diseased or crossing branches are identified, they can be pruned back in winter when the tree is dormant and leafless.
Emperor I® Japanese Maple Spacing
If given the right conditions, the Acer palmatum Emperor I® can grow to 25 feet tall by 25 feet wide. Widely grown as a specimen tree, it is often given pride of place and grown alone so its beauty can be appreciated from all sides. If underplanting, low-growing perennials and small evergreen shrubs can produce a pleasing effect without drawing away attention from the star of the show.
Emperor I® Japanese Maple Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 20 - 25 Feet |
Mature Spread: 20 - 25 Feet |
Spacing: 20 - 25 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: Reddish-Purple |
Bloom Period: April |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Purple, Red |
Foliage Description: Dark, Purple-Red Leaves |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Low |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Edging, Hedges & Privacy, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Emperor I® Japanese Maple |
Other Name(s): Emperor |
Scientific Name: Acer pal. Emperor 1 |
- SKU:
- 1231003490-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.