Emperor Japanese Maple
Best ornamental tree for adding sophisticated, year-round color to garden landscapes.
Discover the Emperor Japanese Maple, a stunning ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant, deeply lobed foliage. This cultivar boasts an intense crimson hue throughout the growing season, transitioning to dramatic scarlet and burgundy tones in the fall. Its elegant, layered branching creates a graceful silhouette, making it an ideal focal point for gardens, patios, and mixed landscapes. The Emperor Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade, offering year-round color interest and a sophisticated presence to any outdoor space.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+355%
Above average
Mature Height
1315
/ to feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking consistent, vibrant foliage through the summer heat
- Landscapers needing elegant vertical structure and brilliant autumn color
- Cold-climate residents wanting a hardy, robust ornamental tree
Who should skip it
- Impatient homeowners wanting immediate height and full-grown impact
- Busy gardeners unable to provide consistent moisture and afternoon shade
- Risk-averse planters worried about soil-borne fungal diseases
Performance breakdown
Foliage Vibrancy
Deep crimson tones maintain intense saturation throughout the entire growing season.
Architectural Presence
Layered branching creates a sophisticated silhouette perfect for high-impact focal points.
Seasonal Versatility
Reliable color shifts from summer crimson to dramatic autumn burgundy tones.
Adaptability
Thrives across varied light conditions ranging from full sun to shade.
Landscape Scalability
Compact mature size fits seamlessly into both patio containers and gardens.
Establishment Potential
Substantial seven-foot starting height ensures immediate visual impact upon planting.
Key Specs
Mature Height
13 to 15 feet
Mature Spread
13 to 15 feet
Available Size
7 gallon container
Current Height Range
7-8 feet
Features
- Deep red foliage provides year-round color
- Intense crimson spring and summer leaves
- Dramatic scarlet and burgundy fall color
- Elegant, layered branching structure
- Graceful silhouette for focal points
- Suitable for gardens and patios
- Thrives in sun to partial shade
- Adds sophisticated visual interest
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Emperor Japanese Maple upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note the tree's robust health, excellent root structure, and careful packaging, ensuring successful transplanting. The deep, rich burgundy color is a major highlight, exceeding expectations and providing immediate aesthetic impact in the landscape. While it is a premium purchase, the perceived quality and reliable establishment make it a worthwhile investment for serious gardeners seeking a stunning focal point.
Know before you buy
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height and spread of 13 to 15 feet. Its balanced, layered branching structure makes it a manageable size for most residential garden focal points.
Yes, the Emperor Japanese Maple is well-suited for patio containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate the root system as the tree matures.
The tree features intense crimson leaves during the spring and summer months. As autumn approaches, the foliage transitions into deeper, more dramatic shades of scarlet and burgundy.
This tree thrives in both full sun and partial shade. In regions with particularly intense afternoon heat, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from scorching.
The Emperor Japanese Maple is currently available in a 7-gallon container, with a height range of 7 to 8 feet. This size allows for a significant visual impact immediately upon planting.
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$199