Emperor One Japanese Maple

15 Gallon

$289.00

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Emperor One Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Wolff Emperor 1®'

Improved Color Retention in Sun • Dark Purple to Near-Black Foliage • Superior to ‘Bloodgood’ in Warm Climates

$289.00

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Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Emperor One Japanese Maple is a highly regarded Acer palmatum variety known for its deep red foliage, strong structure, and improved cold tolerance compared to many classic red Japanese Maples. Often chosen as an alternative to Bloodgood, Emperor One stands out for its later leaf-out, which helps protect new growth from early spring frost damage.

In spring, foliage emerges in rich burgundy-red tones, maturing into a consistent deep red that holds well through summer. As temperatures cool in fall, color intensifies again before leaves drop to reveal a well-branched, upright form that provides subtle winter interest.

Emperor One Japanese Maple performs reliably in Bay Area gardens, benefiting from the region’s mild climate while offering added resilience in cooler or more exposed locations. Its upright habit and moderate growth rate make it well-suited for entryways, patios, front yards, and landscapes where a classic red accent tree is desired.

This variety tolerates sun better than many Japanese Maples, though partial sun with some afternoon shade is ideal in warmer inland microclimates. Well-drained soil and consistent watering during establishment help ensure long-term health and vibrant foliage.

Each Emperor One Japanese Maple is selected for structure, branching balance, and overall health—not just height—making it a dependable choice for homeowners seeking a refined, low-risk landscape feature without needing specialized plant knowledge.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: 5-9 deeply divided lobes with fine serrations, rich burgundy-purple with dark green undertones in spring/summer, turning intense crimson in fall,Form: Upright, vase-shaped crown with layered branching,Bark: Smooth gray with subtle vertical striations
Mature Height: 15-25 ft
Mature Width: 12-15 ft
Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 ft/year when young)
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Superior sun tolerance,Exceptional heat resistance,Naturally symmetrical form,Deer resistant,Low maintenance
Landscape Uses:Specimen focal point,Formal entryways,Urban courtyards,Asian-inspired gardens,Large container plantings

Q: Which is better for the Bay Area, ‘Emperor One’ or ‘Bloodgood’?A:For most Bay Area gardens, especially inland,‘Emperor One’ is the better choicedue to its improved heat and sun tolerance, which helps maintain the desirable dark leaf color throughout the growing season.

Q: Is Emperor One Japanese Maple suitable for the Bay Area climate?
A: Yes. It performs very well in Bay Area conditions and is valued for its reliable growth and color.

Q: How is Emperor One different from Bloodgood Japanese Maple?
A: Emperor One leafs out later in spring, reducing frost risk, and often holds red color slightly better.

Q: Does Emperor One Japanese Maple tolerate sun well?
A: Yes. It generally tolerates sun better than many Japanese Maples, though some afternoon shade is beneficial.

Q: How large does Emperor One Japanese Maple grow?
A: It typically matures as a medium-sized tree, suitable for most residential landscapes.

Q: Is Emperor One Japanese Maple difficult to maintain?
A: No. With proper placement and regular watering during establishment, it is considered low-maintenance.