Japanese Maple 'Emperor 1'

Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1' 

Size: 15ft tall and wide (450cm)

Sun: Full sun or part shade

Low maintenance: little pruning necessary. If pruning, during dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running

Description

An outstanding cultivar of Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum 'Emperor I' is a small, upright, wide-crowned tree of great beauty in all seasons. The delicate foliage of large, 5-7 pointed, lobed leaves emerges deep purple-red in spring, holds its color throughout summer and turns vibrant crimson-red in fall before shedding to the grounds. As the leaves fall, they expose the blackish red bark, adding interest in the winter landscape. Vigorous, this graceful maple tree stands out in the landscape and is suitable as a focal point or as the perfect foil for a mass of green in the landscape. 

Often compared to the famous 'Bloodgood' cultivar, 'Emperor I' is noted for its longer leaf retention. Its leaves bud out about 2 weeks later in spring, thus reducing the risk of damage from the late frosts. Moreover, it holds its fantastic color well in shade and is more versatile.