Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' (Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' (Emperor One) is a purple or red-leaved Japanese maple cultivar well known for its compact size and strong red coloration through the spring, summer, and fall. Growing to only about 10-15' tall and wide, 'Emperor I' makes for an excellent focal point and specimen tree in any landscape, but especially those with lots of greenery in need of some contrast or those where larger trees might make things a bit too crowded. Although well known for its burgundy red hues in the spring and summer, Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' is perhaps most beautiful in the fall, when its leaves take on brighter scarlet-red tones which contrast beautifully with dark red and gray bark.

'Emperor I' Japanese maple prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soils like sandy loam, and trees should be protected from strong winds, as its narrow branches and compact structure make it susceptible to breakage. 'Emperor I,' like most Japanese maples, is susceptible to leaf scorch from too much intense sunlight and dry weather and may benefit from a seasonal mulch application to help insulate and trap moisture for the roots. Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' tolerates full sun to partial shade, and is fairly resistant to rabbit damage and black walnut soils. As a bonus to its relative hardiness and brilliant fall colors, this cultivar's compact size can allow it to be carefully pruned and grown as a larger container plant or maintained in a variety of small garden spaces.