Acer palmatum 'Emperor I'

Emperor I Japanese Maple

A refined, upright Japanese maple with rich dark red to burgundy-red foliage that holds color well through summer and turns brilliant crimson-scarlet in fall. Leaves emerge later in spring than many red cultivars, helping reduce frost damage to tender new growth. ‘Emperor I’ has a graceful, upright, broad-crowned habit and can serve as a striking specimen tree or focal point in landscapes.


🌳 Key Features


Foliage Color: Deep purple-red/burgundy in spring and summer, bright scarlet in autumn.



Form: Upright, rounded canopy with attractive silhouette.



Bark: Dark bark visible in winter adds structural interest after leaf drop.




📏 Size & Habit


Mature Height: Typically ~10–15 ft (some sources cite up to ~15–20 ft).



Mature Width: ~10–15 ft wide.



Growth Rate: Moderate.



Habit: Upright, broad-crowned ornamental tree.




☀️ Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: ~5–9.



Light: Full sun to partial shade — best foliage color and leaf protection with some afternoon shade in hotter regions.



Soil: Moist, well-drained, organically rich and slightly acidic.




✂️ Care Tips


Planting: Choose a location with good drainage. Avoid scorching afternoon sun in hot climates to preserve leaf color.



Water: Keep evenly moist especially during establishment and dry spells.



Mulch: Apply mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.



Pruning: Minimal — remove dead wood or thin lightly in dormant season if needed.



Frost Consideration: Later leaf-out helps reduce damage from late spring frosts.




🌿 Landscape Uses


Specimen tree in lawns, gardens, or patios



Accent plant in mixed borders



Understory tree with dappled light



Provides strong seasonal color and structure year-round

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Red

Fall color

Red

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Oval

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

10'

10-year width

10'