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Emperor One
Pickup available at 1540 Gordon Road
Usually ready in 24 hours
Acer palmatum 'Wolff'
A graceful form with black-red bark veiled in dark red foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in fall. Leaves bud out later in spring, better withstanding damage from late frosts than less cold hardy varieties. Displays most intense color in full sun exposure. Ideal as a colorful specimen in smaller landscapes. Deciduous.
USDA Zones: 5-8
Plant Specifications
Height
15 feet
Spread
15 feet
Bloom Color
Red; Foliage-Purple
Planting and Care Tips
Plant
To plant, choose a site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root flare, and position the tree so the flare sits just above ground level. Backfill gently with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Feed
Fertilizing should be done in early spring before new growth begins, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Fertilize lightly to encourage steady, healthy growth without overstimulating the tree.
Water
The Emperor Maple prefers soil that stays evenly moist, especially while young, and benefits from deep watering once a week during dry periods. Its later leaf emergence helps protect new foliage from scorching, but consistent moisture is still important in hot or dry climates.
Prune
Pruning should be minimal and carried out in late winter or mid-summer to prevent excessive sap bleeding. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and avoid heavy pruning to maintain the tree’s natural rounded form.
Exposure
Filtered sun, Full sun, Partial sun