Acer Palmatum ‘Emperor I’ (Emperor I Japanese Maple)
Acer Palmatum ‘Emperor I’ (Emperor I Japanese Maple)
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Acer Palmatum ‘Emperor I’ is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its rich burgundy-red foliage and refined, upright branching habit. Its deeply lobed leaves emerge a vibrant red during spring, deepen to purple-burgundy through summer and develop brilliant scarlet tones in autumn. The attractive branching structure also provides sculptural interest after the leaves have fallen.
Ideal as a feature tree in courtyards, entrance gardens, Japanese-inspired landscapes and smaller outdoor spaces, ‘Emperor I’ delivers dependable seasonal colour with a manageable growth habit. Its sophisticated appearance, excellent foliage colour and year-round ornamental value make it a premium choice for customers seeking a striking and long-lasting garden centrepiece.

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Mature height
4–5 meters
Mature width
3–4 meters
Spacing
3–4 meters
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Foliage
Deep red foliage in spring and summer, turning brilliant crimson in autumn
Flowering Period & Fruit Development/Harvest
Small red-purple flowers in spring (September to November), followed by winged seeds in summer
Sun tolerance
Full sun to partial shade; prefers sheltered locations in hotter climates
Maintenance
Low maintenance. Prefers well-drained, moist soil. Minimal pruning required—prune in winter to maintain shape.
Root System
Produces a non-invasive, shallow root system that spreads laterally and is well-behaved near structures when given adequate spacing