Article and pictures by David Marks. Acer palmatum ‘Emperor 1’ was bought to the market by Red Maple nursery in Pensylvania. Unfortunately it rare in the UK although it deserves to more common. Better than Bloodgood because the leaves open two weeks later and thus suffer less from late frost damage.Emperor 1 is a very strong growing Japanese Maple and suffers from very few pests. An ideal tree for the medium to large garden, it will reach up to 7m / 23ft if not pruned. If you see one for sale in the UK be sure to buy it!

It prefers a sunnier position compared to most Japanese Maples and tolerates sun and heat very well. If grown in shade it holds its colour well. The rate of growth is quick and it will form a substantial medium sized tree in five years or so. Sometimes also know as Red Emperor, it is thought to be same cultivar. This variety is classified as being in the Amoenum Group.

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR ACER PALMATUM EMPEROR 1

Genus	Acer
Species	palmatum
Variety	‘Emperor’ or ‘Emperor 1’
Light	Does best in full sun but tolerates shade well
Hardy	Yes
Soil	Most, but best slightly acidic and well-drained
Height	7m / 23ft after 20 years
Spread	8m / 26ft after 20 years
Spread	Upright
Colour	Red in spring / summer then scarlet in late autumn.
Colour	No
Bonsai	No

LEAF AND TREE FORM

A delightful feature of the leaves is that they are thin and translucent which makes them glow in full sun. Medium to large leaves which are deeply divided back to the stalk, they have five, sometimes seven lobes.The tips of the leaves are finely pointed with small ridges along the edges. Leaf stalks are a deep red.

SUPPLIERS OF Emperor 1 / Red Emperor
SHRUBS DIRECT
Mail order