emperor 1 japanese maple

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

The Emperor 1 Japanese Maple, botanically known as Acer 'Emperor 1', is a standout selection for New Zealand gardens seeking year-round colour and graceful form. This captivating small tree is highly prized for its dramatic, deep burgundy foliage that emerges in early spring, holds its colour through summer, and ignites the landscape in autumn with brilliant scarlet tones. Emperor 1 Japanese Maple’s elegant, upright habit and manageable size make it a perfect feature tree for courtyards, entranceways, or secluded garden corners where its beauty can shine.

Acer 'Emperor 1'

Acer 'Emperor 1' is a stunning Japanese Maple renowned for its rich deep red foliage that holds its colour well through spring and summer. In autumn the leaves intensify to brilliant crimson, creating a spectacular display. Ideal for New Zealand gardens, this deciduous tree offers bold colour, strong structure, and excellent performance, making it perfect for feature planting in lawns, borders, and courtyard spaces.

Acer 'Emperor 1'

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
4.50 m
Spread:
4.50 m
Tolerances:
Hardy
Garden uses:
Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles:
Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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Why Choose Emperor 1 Japanese Maple?

Acer 'Emperor 1' is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability. Unlike some older Japanese maple varieties, Emperor 1 offers improved heat tolerance and a greater resistance to late spring frosts. This means its new shoots withstand cooler weather without damage, ensuring a consistent, lush canopy even in unpredictable climates. Gardeners love the Emperor 1 Japanese Maple for its relatively compact growth, typically reaching 4–5 metres, and its classic maple silhouette.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant your Emperor 1 Japanese Maple in fertile, well-drained soil with shelter from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. Morning sun and dappled light help intensify its leaf colour, while protection from hot, dry weather preserves the delicate foliage. Mulch generously around the root zone and water consistently, especially during dry spells. Acer 'Emperor 1' is low-maintenance, requiring only light pruning in winter to maintain its shape.

Design Inspiration and Combinations

Emperor 1 Japanese Maple’s vivid, finely lobed leaves make it an ideal specimen in Japanese-inspired garden designs, woodland settings, or even large containers. Its upright habit pairs beautifully with groundcovers and other small trees that offer contrasting texture or seasonal interest. For a harmonious look, consider neighbouring it with companion maples such as the striking Acer 'Armstrong' or the classic Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple). For bolder contrast, try integrating the golden foliage of Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' or the crisp white blossoms of Malus Snowbright.

Explore Other Exceptional Trees

If you’re inspired by the beauty and adaptability of Emperor 1 Japanese Maple, there are other feature trees to explore that suit a wide variety of New Zealand gardens. The tall and stately Acer saccharinum or the vibrant Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' both offer spectacular autumn displays. For flowering interest, consider the showy Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora', or if you need a textural evergreen, the native Metrosideros robusta is a wonderful choice.

Shop Emperor 1 Japanese Maple

Whether you’re creating a tranquil Asian garden or looking for a spectacular showpiece tree, the Emperor 1 Japanese Maple delivers enduring colour, elegance, and easy care. Explore our complete selection of maples, flowering trees, and New Zealand natives to find the perfect companion plants for your landscape vision.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.