Red Emperor Japanese Maple Tree

BRIGHT RED COLORS ALL YEAR LONG ON THIS DWARF MAPLE

The Red Emperor Japanese Maple Tree is a vivid and fast growing maple tree perfect for any landscape!

With bright red foliage all year long and an upright growth habit, the Emperor 1 Japanese Maple tree is great in small gardens or as a focal piece where it can be seen. The red colorful foliage matches the brownish red bark throughout the year.

In early spring, new growth will emerge as purplish red and stays richly colored throughout the spring and summer growing seasons. New growth emerges 2 weeks later than other Japanese maple types and is less susceptible to a late spring frost. In fall, the fiery red leaves will turn a bright scarlet as the temperatures fluctuate and cool down. Being a deciduous tree, the Acer palmatum Emperor 1 will lose its leaves to signal the winter season has arrived.

Similar to the Bloodgood Maple, the Emperor One Japanese Maple is slightly more heat tolerant and has brighter ruby colored leaves. While they are hard to distinguish if not right next to each other, they’re both highly noted for their colorful leaves and distinct look.

The small size of this Emperor 1 Red Japanese Maple Tree makes it perfect for woodland gardens, Japanese gardens, small gardens, and you can even keep it planted in a container if you don’t have enough space in the yard. It is truly a versatile tree that can look beautiful and work for any garden or landscape.

DWARF EMPEROR JAPANESE MAPLE TREE CARE

Maple trees can grow in most locations of the United States with ease. It is zoned for USDA growing zones 5-9, and it is very cold hardy. The Japanese Red Maple Emperor 1 likes slightly acidic soil that is well draining and rich in organic matter. However, it is adaptable to many soil types. The Emperor 1 Japanese Maple likes full sun to partial shade. The best planting spot is an area with morning sun and afternoon shade to shield it from the piercing sunshine.

How to Plant a Japanese Maple Tree

Your Acer palmatum Wolff tree will come in the Perfect Plants black nursery container. You will want to take the tree out of the box and give it a good watering as soon as it arrives at your home. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root zone. Place the ornamental tree and root ball into the planting hole and backfill with native soil or amended soil like our Slightly Acidic Potting Mix. Press firmly to get rid of any air pockets in the hole. Water the newly planted tree thoroughly the first year of planting to establish a strong root system. A thick 2 inch layer of mulch or organic matter will help to retain moisture. The best time to plant the Japanese Maple tree Red Emperor is in early spring so it has the whole growing season to establish. Fall is another great time to plant, especially if you have mild winters.

How to Prune a Japanese Maple Tree

Japanese Maples don’t require pruning but will benefit from annual pruning to shape them to the desired size. Prune back dead branches or crossed branches during any time of the year. When pruning a Japanese Maple, cut down to the trunk but be sure not to cut the branch collar off. Follow the natural growing pattern to create the best look! Avoid pruning when temperatures are too hot above 80 F. Always disinfect your pruning shears before pruning to prevent the spread of disease.

When to Trim a Japanese Maple Tree

The best time to prune Japanese Maples is in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. This will give the person pruning the best view of the branch structure to make the best pruning cuts. This tree is faster growing than other Japanese Maple varieties. The Emperor 1 Japanese Maple growth rate is up to 2-3 feet per year once established. A slow release fertilizer at the top of the root ball will help the maple grow.

The Red Emperor Japanese Maple size is up to 10-15 feet tall and wide at maturity making it perfect for small spaces. Read more about How to Plant a Maple Tree.

Shop the Red Emperor Japanese Maple Tree for sale.

Check out our Maple Tree Grow Guide for more information.

Ask a question