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Emperor I® Japanese Maple

Availability : Sold Out
$107.00
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This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • 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.

Quart Pot

Quart Pot

Also Known As:
Quart

Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year

Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"

Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W

Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old

Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"

Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W

Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old

Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"

Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W

Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old

Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"

Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W

Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon

Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old

Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"

Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W

Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot

#5 Pot

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon

Plant Age:
~3-4 years old

Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"

Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W

Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Arrival Guarantee

We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.

Free 1-Year Plant Warranty

All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Plant Shipping

Pre-Ordered Plants

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.

Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule

Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.

Growing Zone Estimated Ship Week
Zone 10March 24th
Zone 9March 31st
Zone 8April 7th
Zone 7April 14th
Zone 6bApril 21st
Zone 6aApril 28th
Zone 5bMay 5th
Zone 5aMay 12th
Zone 4May 19th
Zone 3May 26th

Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.

Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.

Plants Shipping Now

Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.