Acer palmatum Red Emperor
Japanese maple 'Emperor 1'
A large bushy deciduous shrub or small tree to 5m tall with 5-7-lobed, deep red-purple leaves, turning crimson in autumn. The leaves appear later than many other cultivars, reducing the risk of damage by spring frost
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained soil. Water in summer if necessary. Leaf colour is best in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure. See Japanese maple cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1, pruning if necessary only from late autumn to midwinter
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
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