Emperor I® Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Wolff'

Pronunciation: AY-ser pal-MA-tum
SKU #00084
5-8

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LIGHT: Filtered sun, Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
SIZE: Moderate growing; reaches 15 ft. tall and wide.

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This Plant's Growing Zones: 5-8

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Description A graceful form with black-red bark veiled in dark red foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in fall. Leaves bud out later in spring, better withstanding damage from late frosts than less cold hardy varieties. Displays most intense color in full sun exposure. Ideal as a colorful specimen in smaller landscapes. Deciduous.
Bloom Time Inconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Deciduous/Evergreen Deciduous
Special Features Attractive Bark, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color
Problems/Solutions Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Habit Rounded
Landscape Use Container
Design Ideas Showy and colorful, this is among the best Japanese maple for smaller city yards. Plant in front as a single accent at entries and in foundation beds. Perfectly sized for around outdoor living spaces that ask for shelter and privacy without concern for an overly large tree at maturity. Bold autumn hues provide a long range focal point, particularly against a background of dark evergreen trees. Quintessential tree for the acid garden and among conifers.
Flower Color Red
Foliage Color Red
Foliage Fall Color Purple
Companion Plants Azalea (Azalea); Astilbe (Astilbe); Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Camellia (Camellia)
Care Instructions Provide slightly acidic, well-drained soil; shelter from drying winds. Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures in hot summer areas. Mulch to keep root zone cool. Water deeply, regularly during first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
History This species, A. palmatum, may be the most widely bred of the Acer clan. It is credited to Carl Thunberg, 1743-1828, the physician and plant collector working for the Dutch East India Company in Japan. It is likely he collected the first plants, for they were classified after his return to Europe in 1820. Although called Japanese maple, this species is native to China and Korea as well. There are an immense number of cultivars produced by this highly variable species. This form was introduced by Monrovia Nursery Co. Azusa, California in 1998. Its dark red coloring identifies it among the Atropurpureum group, which were first developed from A. p. 'Atropurpureum' after 1857.
Lore The Japanese maple is the quintessential symbol of fall in the traditional Tea Garden, balanced by flowering cherries for spring.
Details
DescriptionA graceful form with black-red bark veiled in dark red foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in fall. Leaves bud out later in spring, better withstanding damage from late frosts than less cold hardy varieties. Displays most intense color in full sun exposure. Ideal as a colorful specimen in smaller landscapes. Deciduous.
Bloom TimeInconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenDeciduous
Special FeaturesAttractive Bark, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitRounded
Style
Landscape UseContainer
Design IdeasShowy and colorful, this is among the best Japanese maple for smaller city yards. Plant in front as a single accent at entries and in foundation beds. Perfectly sized for around outdoor living spaces that ask for shelter and privacy without concern for an overly large tree at maturity. Bold autumn hues provide a long range focal point, particularly against a background of dark evergreen trees. Quintessential tree for the acid garden and among conifers.
Flower ColorRed
Foliage ColorRed
Foliage Fall ColorPurple
Companion PlantsAzalea (Azalea); Astilbe (Astilbe); Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Camellia (Camellia)
Care
Care InstructionsProvide slightly acidic, well-drained soil; shelter from drying winds. Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures in hot summer areas. Mulch to keep root zone cool. Water deeply, regularly during first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
History
HistoryThis species, A. palmatum, may be the most widely bred of the Acer clan. It is credited to Carl Thunberg, 1743-1828, the physician and plant collector working for the Dutch East India Company in Japan. It is likely he collected the first plants, for they were classified after his return to Europe in 1820. Although called Japanese maple, this species is native to China and Korea as well. There are an immense number of cultivars produced by this highly variable species. This form was introduced by Monrovia Nursery Co. Azusa, California in 1998. Its dark red coloring identifies it among the Atropurpureum group, which were first developed from A. p. 'Atropurpureum' after 1857.
LoreThe Japanese maple is the quintessential symbol of fall in the traditional Tea Garden, balanced by flowering cherries for spring.

Frequently asked questions

Does Emperor I® Japanese Maple produce flowers?
Inconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Is Emperor I® Japanese Maple evergreen or deciduous?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple is Deciduous.
What are the special features of Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple is Attractive Bark, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color.
Is Emperor I® Japanese Maple resistant to pests or animals?
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
How fast does Emperor I® Japanese Maple grow?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple has a Moderate growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple grows in an Rounded habit.
Where can I use Emperor I® Japanese Maple in my landscape?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple is suitable for: Container.
How can I use Emperor I® Japanese Maple in my garden design?
Showy and colorful, this is among the best Japanese maple for smaller city yards. Plant in front as a single accent at entries and in foundation beds. Perfectly sized for around outdoor living spaces that ask for shelter and privacy without concern for an overly large tree at maturity. Bold autumn hues provide a long range focal point, particularly against a background of dark evergreen trees. Quintessential tree for the acid garden and among conifers.
What color are Emperor I® Japanese Maple flowers?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple produces Red flowers.
What color is the foliage of Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
Emperor I® Japanese Maple has Red foliage.
What plants grow well with Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
Good companion plants for Emperor I® Japanese Maple include: Azalea (Azalea); Astilbe (Astilbe); Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Camellia (Camellia).
How do I care for Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
Provide slightly acidic, well-drained soil; shelter from drying winds. Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures in hot summer areas. Mulch to keep root zone cool. Water deeply, regularly during first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
What is the history of Emperor I® Japanese Maple?
This species, A. palmatum, may be the most widely bred of the Acer clan. It is credited to Carl Thunberg, 1743-1828, the physician and plant collector working for the Dutch East India Company in Japan. It is likely he collected the first plants, for they were classified after his return to Europe in 1820. Although called Japanese maple, this species is native to China and Korea as well. There are an immense number of cultivars produced by this highly variable species. This form was introduced by Monrovia Nursery Co. Azusa, California in 1998. Its dark red coloring identifies it among the Atropurpureum group, which were first developed from A. p. 'Atropurpureum' after 1857.

About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.