Emperor I Japanese Maple
Best ornamental tree for gardeners seeking vibrant, frost-resistant seasonal color.
Discover the Emperor I Japanese Maple, a stunning deciduous specimen tree that brings dramatic color to your landscape. Its striking black-red bark and dark red foliage create a captivating visual, especially when bathed in full sun. This resilient variety buds out later in spring, offering protection against late frosts. Reaching a mature size of 15 feet tall and wide, it's perfect for urban gardens or woodland settings. For optimal growth, provide average to moist, well-drained soil and shelter from intense afternoon sun.
$189.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 1377
#8 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+77%
Above average
Mature Height
15
/ feet
Who it's for
- Landscapers wanting a dramatic, fiery focal point for autumn
- Gardeners seeking vibrant foliage that resists summer fading
- Cold-climate residents needing a hardy, reliable landscape specimen
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners unable to provide consistent supplemental watering
- Gardeners managing sites with poor drainage or fungal history
- Urban dwellers with limited space near structures or utilities
Performance breakdown
Frost Resilience
Late-spring budding provides a crucial buffer against unpredictable seasonal temperature swings.
Visual Impact
Deep red foliage and striking bark create a high-contrast focal point.
Urban Adaptability
Compact fifteen-foot stature fits perfectly into smaller residential garden footprints.
Maintenance Ease
Becomes impressively waterwise and self-sufficient once the root system is established.
Growth Predictability
Steady medium growth rate ensures a manageable and consistent landscape silhouette.
Site Versatility
Thrives in various settings but requires protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Key Specs
Mature Height
15 feet
Mature Width
15 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
5
Foliage Color
Red
Bark Description
black-red
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Soil Drainage
well-drained
Features
- Brilliant scarlet fall color
- Resists late spring frosts
- Intense color in full sun
- Ideal for urban gardens
- Waterwise once established
- Graceful form
- Suitable for specimen planting
- Dark red foliage
What customers say
Customers rave about the Emperor I's vibrant, deep red color, which maintains its striking appeal all season. The Monrovia stock quality is consistently praised, with buyers receiving large, healthy, and expertly packaged plants that transplant easily. Although the initial price is higher, the perceived value is strong. The tree establishes quickly, offering immediate visual impact. This confirms its reputation as a reliable, premium landscape choice that delivers exceptional aesthetic results and a rewarding planting experience.
Know before you buy
The Emperor I is specifically valued for budding out later in the spring than many other cultivars. This delayed growth helps the tree avoid damage from late-season frosts that can often harm early-leafing varieties.
While it thrives in full sun and develops its most intense color there, it is best to shelter the tree from harsh, direct afternoon sun in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Providing a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for maintaining foliage health.
At maturity, this tree reaches approximately 15 feet in both height and width. You should plan for a 15-foot diameter clearance to allow for its natural, graceful form to develop without crowding.
Yes, its moderate growth rate and 15-foot mature size make it an excellent choice for urban landscapes. It works well as a specimen tree where you want a dramatic focal point without overwhelming a smaller space.
While the tree requires average to moist, well-drained soil, it is considered waterwise once it has become established in your landscape. During the first year, you should monitor soil moisture closely to ensure it doesn't dry out completely while the root system develops.
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Ready to buy?
$190