Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' Red Japanese Maple Tree

Acer Palmatum 'Red Emperor' is a Must Have Red Japanese Maple Tree for Any Yard

Acer palmatum ‘Red Emperor’ is a red Japanese maple tree was originally introduced by Dick Wolff at Red Maple Nursery in Pennsylvania as Emperor 1 in 1976 and much later patented under that name by someone in Oregon. Many growers grow this plant as 'Red Emperor'. It does not matter what you call it, this is a great plant.

'Red Emperor' is one of many in a long line of trees to claim the title "Better Than Bloodgood" and in some ways it is. 'Red Emperor' is rare in that it doesn't usually burn in full sun even in hotter climates. 'Red Emperor' holds its color through the summer better than most other red Japanese maple trees like 'Bloodgood'. This tree does not disappoint. Another advantage is that it usually leafs out in the spring a few days later than other red Japanese maple trees like 'Bloodgood' lessening the chance of frost damage. 'Red Emperor' is hardy in zones 4 through 10 and can handle full sun in pretty much any climate.

The growth rate of 'Red Emperor' Japanese maple is very good. 'Red Emperor' develops into a large red Japanese maple tree with a large, full canopy. 'Red Emperor' can grow to be about 15 to 18 feet tall and about 12-14 feet wide at the canopy.

'Red Emperor' has large, broad leaves that are dark red to purple in the spring. This dark red color holds well into the summer before eventually fading to a greenish color in the summer. The fall color of 'Red Emperor' is a stunning bright red.

What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Height: 16-18 feet Width: 12-14 feet

What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Burgundy

What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Burgundy

What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Bright Red

What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Broad Leaf

What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Full Sun

What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Zones 4-10

What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Large Upright Japanese Maple

What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor'?

Fast Growing Upright Japanese Maple

How should Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' be planted?

Elevated in Well Drained Soil

Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.