Japanese Maple ‘Emperor I’
Acer palmatum ‘Emperor I’
Rich red-purple foliage, excellent heat tolerance, and spectacular fall color make ‘Emperor I’ an outstanding Japanese maple for Central North Carolina landscapes.
Quick Care
Light: Morning sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist while establishing
Mature Size: Approximately 12–15 ft. tall and 10–12 ft. wide
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8
Description
‘Emperor I’ is an exceptional upright Japanese maple valued for its deep red-purple foliage and graceful branching habit. Spring leaves emerge a rich burgundy-red and retain excellent color through much of the summer before developing brilliant scarlet-red shades in fall.
Similar in appearance to the popular ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Emperor I’ typically leafs out slightly later in spring, which can help reduce the risk of damage from late freezes. Its manageable size makes it an excellent ornamental tree for residential landscapes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rich burgundy-red foliage
- Brilliant scarlet fall color
- Attractive upright, graceful form
- Good heat tolerance for a Japanese maple
- Later spring leaf emergence can help avoid late frost damage
- Excellent four-season specimen tree
Best Uses
Use ‘Emperor I’ as a specimen tree, foundation accent, courtyard tree, woodland garden feature, or focal point near a patio or entrance. Its moderate mature size works especially well in landscapes where a large shade tree would eventually become too big.
Planting & Care
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water deeply after planting. Keep the root zone consistently moist during the first several growing seasons.
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, keeping mulch away from the trunk. Pruning requirements are minimal; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed.
Franklin Brothers’ Central NC Advice
In Central North Carolina, give ‘Emperor I’ morning sun with protection from the strongest late-afternoon heat when possible. It can tolerate considerable sun when established, but protection from intense western exposure helps reduce summer leaf scorch. Consistent watering and mulch are particularly important during hot, dry periods.
Good to Know
‘Emperor I’ is frequently compared with ‘Bloodgood’. Both produce beautiful dark-red foliage, but ‘Emperor I’ is especially valued for later spring leaf emergence and its ability to maintain strong foliage color during summer heat. It is an excellent choice for homeowners wanting a dependable upright red Japanese maple.