Red Emperor Japanese Maple

So many Acer palmatum types are available on the market that settling on the best one is tricky. However, ‘Red Emperor’ is hard to beat! Like Acer palmatum Bloodgood, it is slightly more wine red than dark red in the summer months and is slightly later to emerge in the spring.

Preferring neutral to acid soil, Acer palmatum Red Emperor is vigorous and hardy. It eventually grows into a sturdy bush up to seven metres in height by five metres broad. 

Best on free-draining soils, ‘Red Emperor’ should be given a sheltered sunny position for best results. We are often asked about growing these in permanent decorative containers, and, like all trees, they eventually run out of soil volume and gently decline when pot-bound.

By autumn, the deep red foliage can turn a luminescent crimson before falling.

Mature height: 5-7m

Common names

Red Emperor Japanese Maple

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drainedWill tolerate most soil types

Shape

Multi-stemmed

Foliage Colour

Red/Purple

Looks good in

Autumn

Location

Garden

Genus

Acer

Autumn Colour

Yes