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Emperor Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Emperor'

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Growing Zones: 5-8 outdoors
(hardy down to -10℉)



Growing Zones 5-8 outdoors
You are in Growing Zone: 6

Mature Height:

12-15 ft.

Mature Width:

12-15 ft.

Sunlight:

Full Sun

Spacing:

15 ft.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Drought Tolerance:

Good
You are in an area with ~1800 chill hours

Botanical Name:

Acer palmatum 'Emperor'

Does Not Ship To:

AZ

Don't Buy Bare-Root Trees (learn why below)
 

Months of vibrant foliage

Here’s why it rules the yard:

•   Brilliant crimson, red color

•   Strong, hardy variety

•   Great street tree or yard specimen

•   Vigorous grower 

The Emperor’s New Growth

If you’re seeking a fast-growing Japanese Maple tree with vivid red color, look no further than the Emperor Japanese Maple.  Known for its strength and vigorous growth, the Emperor is one of the hardiest Japanese Maple varieties available. With its mid-sized height ranging between 12-15 feet at maturity, the Emperor’s convenient stature makes it large enough to plant as a street tree or yard specimen, yet compact enough to suit most planting locations. What’s more, its upright growth is easy to maintain.  And if that’s not enough, spring leaves will arrive a few weeks later than most other Japanese Maples. That means spring frost damage won’t be a concern with the Emperor.

When it comes to Holding Color, all others Bow to the Emperor

If you’re a glutton for bright red Japanese Maple color, the Emperor will satisfy beyond your expectations.  Perhaps that’s why many enthusiasts refer to it as the “Red Emperor”.  In the spring, leaves will flood your tree with heavy purple hues, followed by incredible crimson reds in the fall.  The foliage’s thin texture allows light to penetrate; giving the rich, red autumn leaves their brilliant color.  The best part is--unlike other varieties--the Emperor maintains its gorgeous color the whole season long.  

Don’t miss out on this show of color.  Order your Emperor Japanese Maple today.


In the warm summer months, your leaves may turn a tint of green and red. Have no worries as fall brings on fire-red foliage that will stun your neighbors.

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Customer Reviews

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4.3 / 5.0
7 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
5
1
0
0
1
Anniversary Tree for our home in the Mountains (45 years)
The tree just arrived and it is just beautiful . I was told it would be here today and it was. My husband was so surprised and delighted. Pam at fast growing kept me on track each day as to where it was. Thank you for your professionalism and reliability. What a wonderful Anniversary Gift for our new home!
Bob and Karen Theobald Tahoma, California
August 29, 2014
Resilient!
Love this tree. Plant arrived in great condition and is very resilient thus far!
September 30, 2016
Burlington, NC
Purchased
 1 year ago
So far so good!
We ordered our Emperor Japanese Maple this past fall, so I can't really review how the tree is growing since it has only been a few months, and it's winter here in Massachusetts.
But... I can say that ordering this tree through Fast-Growing Trees was simple and quick. We will definitely order more trees/bushes from them if we ever need to purchase more.
January 9, 2015
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
Very nice tree
The tree arrived quickly and in very good order. I have had it for right at a month now and it is still as nice looking as the day it arrived (even after our first hard frost). I am looking forward to see its progress through the winter and into spring.

I am in Zone 5/6
October 19, 2017
Purchased
 11 months ago
Growing Zone:
6
beautiful
This is the best tree I have ever bought online. The service was excellant and the tree is BIG and beautiful. Shipping was great.I love the tree and so does my wife. I bought it for our 40 year anniversary. Thank you so much.
October 19, 2017
Purchased
 1 year ago
Japanese Emperor
The emperor came in on time and looked healthy. I planted him on a large pot and he's already switching colors! The leafs are dark purple and beautiful.
User submitted image
Added Oct 19, 2017
October 19, 2017
Purchased
 10 months ago
The Worst Tree !
I bought this tree three months ago , it looks like it's dying . watered it every other day for 1st month . zero growth !
October 21, 2017
Purchased
 1 year ago
Response from Fast-Growing-Trees.com
Thank you for shopping with us. We are very sorry to hear that you are not happy with your Japanese Maple. We see that you are located in NJ, so your tree could take some time to acclimate to its new location. As the tree is approaching dormancy for winter, there will not be anymore foliage growth this year. Next spring, you should see new leaves begin to emerge. If you do feel like it's dead, you may conduct a scratch test on the main trunk. Simply scrape out a small portion of the trunk near the base of the tree with your fingernail or a clean knife. If it's green underneath, the tree is very much alive! If you ever have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call us at 888-504-2001. Thanks!
October 23, 2017
Amanda L Staff

Planting & Care



It's Easy to Plant & Care for Your Emperor Japanese Maple Tree



Step 1: Dig Your Hole


Select a site with full to partial sun and moist or well drained soil for your Emperor Japanese Maple Tree.

First, dig each hole so that it is just shallower than the root ball and at least twice the width.

Then loosen the soil in the planting hole so the roots can easily break through.

Use your shovel or try dragging the points of a pitch fork along the sides and bottom of the hole.

Planting & Care

Step 2: Place Your Plant


Next, separate the roots of your Emperor Japanese Maple Tree gently with your fingers and position them downward in the hole.

The top of the root flare, where the roots end and the trunk begins, should be about an inch above the surrounding soil.

Then make sure the plant is exactly vertical in the hole.

To make it just right, use a level.

Step 3: Backfill Your Hole


As you backfill the hole, apply water to remove air pockets.

Remove debris like stones and grass and completely break up any dirt clumps.

Water your Emperor Japanese Maple Tree again after the transplant is complete.


Questions & Answers

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Browse 10 questions Browse 10 questions and 33 answers
Why did you choose this?
Fast-Growing-Trees.com Store
The color of the foliage and the growing climate matched my needs and wants. Can't wait to get these planted!
Shona B on Apr 12, 2018
Always wanted one!
Jeff W on Apr 3, 2018
The color of the foliage and the growing climate matched my needs and wants. Can't wait to get these planted!
Shona B on Apr 12, 2018
Needed 2 smaller accent trees in front of yard within circle drive. They will be accompanied by light posts placed by previous owner. Planted within wavy mulch beds, including new bushes. This will complete our front yard. We bought a white brick ranch, fixer upper, on the water but front yard was lacking, to say the least. This will add color and personality - just what we needed! Thanks and can't wait to get the trees!
Cheryl R on Apr 5, 2018
Always wanted one!
Jeff W on Apr 3, 2018
looks very nice
Peter S on Apr 3, 2018
Beautiful for new home
Stephanie C on Mar 12, 2018
Back yard relaxation area
Al F on Mar 10, 2018
Looking for color contrast as a center piece.
Firas M on Feb 23, 2018
I was looking for accent tree for my backyard and come across this maple that I always want to purchase.
Brosset S on Feb 18, 2018
I am planting it in the front of my house which gets full sun. I love the color of it.
isabella M on Feb 11, 2018
Shape and color
Andrew B on Jan 13, 2018
This is going to be a showpiece for my yard
Glenda W on Oct 28, 2017
Color of the foliage
vamshider k on Oct 28, 2017
Had one years ago and loved it
James M on Sep 2, 2016
adds color to the yard
Anthony W on Aug 31, 2016
Big fan of plant's foliage
Ramon P on Aug 27, 2016
I bought this as a gift. I didn't know which version of Japanese Maple to buy to I bought two different ones! I cannot wait to find out which one is his favorite! Thank you for the easy website and order processing. Simple, easy, and quick turn on shipment. I am so excited to get these in!
Paul N on Aug 18, 2016
I love the color, size and shape
Randy W on Aug 14, 2016
colorful
andrew c on Aug 11, 2016
i hope my first tree from you guys will get as beautyfull ass the picture ,
Francisco C on Jul 31, 2016
Love the leaf shape and color. Looking forward to adding this to our entry flower bed.
Chelsea H on Jul 30, 2016
Looking for a great center focus point for my front yard and background patio with an Asian appeal.
V B on Jul 26, 2016
I have been looking for a quality Jap Maple for a reasonable price and I found both here on Fast Growing Trees. Shipped within a week and arrived in good condition.
Jacob B on Jul 8, 2016
Needed 2 smaller accent trees in front of yard within circle drive. They will be accompanied by light posts placed by previous owner. Planted within wavy mulch beds, including new bushes. This will complete our front yard. We bought a white brick ranch, fixer upper, on the water but front yard was lacking, to say the least. This will add color and personality - just what we needed! Thanks and can't wait to get the trees!
Cheryl R on Apr 5, 2018
looks very nice
Peter S on Apr 3, 2018
When to Plant?
A shopper on Sep 21, 2014
BEST ANSWER: I planted mine in the spring, but I wouldn't hesitate to plant in the fall either.
can this tree be grown in zone 9?
michael j on Jul 7, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I had to look at the zone map to see where zone 9 was. Yep, it gets pretty hot there. Personally, I don't know for sure, but I'd give it a try. It's worth it because it's such a beautiful tree. But its LOCATION might be detrimental. I would allow it no more than a half-day of direct sunlight, and I would plant it near a vertical object such as a house/building/other trees instead of the middle of a yard (wind protection). If you're careful that it doesn't get too much of that hot southern sun, I think you can have a happy tree. Good luck! - Renee E.
Moved here in Peachtree City, Ga 4 1/2 years ago with a red/purple Japanese Maple in back yard. This year the leaves are green from the start, no the red/purple color. What happened? Can we do anything?
Marcia N on Aug 5, 2016
BEST ANSWER: We have experienced “La Nina" for the last couple of years which accounts for most of
the young maples not turning red. La Nina is high moisture seasons and too much rain
at the wrong time. Maples need dry weather and no fertilization to have the sugar rise
which causes the red color.
Too much fertilization. These maples do not need fertilizer right away. If the maple is
getting over fertilized it can cause the leaf color not to change.  The proper time to
fertilize is only in the Spring.
When can I trim it back soon ?
Wanda H on Jul 27, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Your tree will need 2 to 3 years to become firmly established in your lawn or garden. After this period, you may begin to prune your tree if desired, although it is not required.
Does this Japanese Maple's leaves start out green then turn colorful in the fall?
Glenda W on Sep 28, 2017
BEST ANSWER: In the spring, leaves will flood your tree with heavy purple hues, followed by incredible crimson reds in the fall. The foliage’s thin texture allows light to penetrate; giving the rich, red autumn leaves their brilliant color. The best part is--unlike other varieties--the Emperor maintains its gorgeous color the whole season long.
I want a japeneese maple but I am in zone 9. Can you make a recommendation?
Natalie B on Aug 27, 2017
BEST ANSWER: They have me listed as zone 8 , but i am actually in zone 9 and iv'e planted the Emperor Japanese Maple recently and waiting for a good outcome. Iv'e actually see them here in zone 9 and pretty sure they will be fine
how long does it take to reach 5 feet and can I prune it to keep it that height?
S. E. S on Aug 1, 2016
BEST ANSWER: They grow about 1' per year, and yes you can keep it at 5'.
We moved into a house with a Japanese Maple about 4 foot from our foundation by the kitchen window. I am not sure what variety but it is about 12-15 feet tall with red leaves that turn to green. It is beautiful, but I worry about the roots getting into the foundation since it is so close to the foundation. Should I cut it down?
Dawn A on Jun 17, 2015
BEST ANSWER: Hi Dawn,
Personally, I would not cut it down. At 12-15 feet tall, it's close to full grown already. Plus, a Japanese Maple is a nice medium size tree, unlike, a maple, or oak tree with monster root systems.
When is the best time of year to prune a tree?
Ben W on Mar 14, 2015
BEST ANSWER: Your tree will need 2 to 3 years to become firmly established in your lawn or garden. After this period, you may begin to prune your tree if desired, although it is not required. If you need to prune, prune in the winter when all the leaves have fallen off.

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Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately, however some orders may ship in 1-2 business days (we do not ship on the weekends) from date of purchase. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.


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