Emperor 1 Japanese Maple

About this plant

Acer palmatum ‘Wolff’ (traded as Emperor 1®) is a midsize red-leaf Japanese maple cultivar prized for its outstanding foliage and adaptability. In spring the leaves unfurl a dark purplish-red, mature to a deep burgundy through summer, then blaze scarlet red in autumn, and finally drop to reveal rich blackish-red bark. It tends to have a broadly rounded, upright form, often reaching about 15 ft tall and wide. It was introduced commercially in the late 20th century and is valued for leaf retention, relatively late leaf-out (helping to avoid frost damage), and stronger heat and sun tolerance compared to many red-leaf maples.

Plant details

Mature height

15 ft.

Mature width

15 ft.

Growth rate

Moderate

USDA zones

5-8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Water needs

Moderate

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Organic, Sandy, Well Drained

Spacing

12 ft.

Bloom season

Spring