{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-emporer-japanese-maple","title":"Acer palmatum ‘Emporer’ Japanese Maple","description":"\u003ch1\u003eJapanese Maple ‘Emperor I’\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcer palmatum ‘Emperor I’\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRich red-purple foliage, excellent heat tolerance, and spectacular fall color make ‘Emperor I’ an outstanding Japanese maple for Central North Carolina landscapes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Morning sun to partial shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep evenly moist while establishing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 12–15 ft. tall and 10–12 ft. wide\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow to moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Zones 5–8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich burgundy-red foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrilliant scarlet fall color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive upright, graceful form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood heat tolerance for a Japanese maple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLater spring leaf emergence can help avoid late frost damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent four-season specimen tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse ‘Emperor I’ as a \u003cstrong\u003especimen tree, foundation accent, courtyard tree, woodland garden feature, or focal point near a patio or entrance\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its moderate mature size works especially well in landscapes where a large shade tree would eventually become too big.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in fertile, well-drained soil and water deeply after planting. Keep the root zone consistently moist during the first several growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFranklin Brothers’ Central NC Advice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003eCentral North Carolina\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGood to Know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Emperor I’ is frequently compared with ‘Bloodgood’. Both produce beautiful dark-red foliage, but ‘Emperor I’ is especially valued for \u003cstrong\u003elater spring leaf emergence and its ability to maintain strong foliage color during summer heat\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is an excellent choice for homeowners wanting a dependable upright red Japanese maple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSEO Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Franklin Brothers Nursery","offers":[{"title":"7 gallon","offer_id":56021411594408,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 gallon","offer_id":56021411627176,"sku":null,"price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0427\/8602\/9736\/files\/emerorI.jpg?v=1789853111","url":"https:\/\/franklin-brothers-nursery.myshopify.com\/products\/acer-palmatum-emporer-japanese-maple","provider":"Franklin Brothers Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}