Japanese Maple 'Emperor One' (15 Gallon)

Japanese Maple ‘Emperor One’ (15 Gallon)

Graceful, rich in color, and rooted in beauty—‘Emperor One’ is a tree that grows right along with your family.

A true showstopper, the Japanese Maple ‘Emperor One’ brings elegance and calm to any landscape. In this generous 15 Gallon size, it’s already beautifully established and ready to take its place as a centerpiece in your garden or front yard. With deep burgundy-red leaves that hold their color spring through fall, and a rounded, upright shape, this tree is all about quiet strength and enduring charm.

🌿 A Bit of History & Meaning

Japanese maples have been cultivated for centuries as symbols of peace, balance, and grace. The ‘Emperor One’ variety is known for leafing out later than most—making it more resistant to frost—and for its brilliant fall color, which shifts to fiery crimson. It’s a tree that encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the beauty of the changing seasons. A perfect tribute to family roots and growing traditions.

🌞 Where It Grows Best

‘Emperor One’ thrives in full sun to part shade, preferring protection from hot afternoon rays in warmer climates. It reaches about 15 feet tall and wide, forming a well-shaped canopy that works beautifully as a specimen tree, focal point in a shade garden, or a graceful addition to entryways and patios.

🌱 Care Instructions

• Water: Keep well-watered while establishing; loves consistent moisture

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade in hot climates)

• Soil: Well-draining, enriched soil preferred

• Maintenance: Very low-maintenance; prune lightly in winter if shaping is needed

• Hardiness: Zones 5–8; cold hardy and heat tolerant

This tree is a beautiful blend of form and feeling—adding color, structure, and a sense of tranquility to your outdoor space. Whether you’re starting a family garden or enhancing an established landscape, ‘Emperor One’ grows into a beloved part of your home.

🌸 Perfect Companions

Pair with:

• Azaleas or Camellias – For soft blooms beneath the bold foliage

• Hostas or Ferns – Shade-loving friends for peaceful underplanting

• Hydrangeas – Add classic Southern charm around the base

• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) – For graceful texture and gold-green contrast

With its strong roots, vivid color, and graceful presence, the 15 Gallon Japanese Maple ‘Emperor One’ is more than just a tree—it’s a gift to your garden, your family, and the years to come.