Emperor Japanese Maple
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Limited Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
|
The Emperor Japanese Maple thrives in Zones 5-8 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Emperor Japanese Maple. |
||
| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 5-8 | |
| Mature Height | 12-15 ft. | |
| Mature Width | 12-15 ft. | |
| Cannot Ship To | OR, AZ | |
| Sunlight | Full to Partial Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Acer palmatum Wolff EMPEROR 1® | |
|
The Emperor Japanese Maple thrives in Zones 5-8
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Emperor Japanese Maple. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 5-8 |
| Mature Height | 12-15 ft. |
| Mature Width | 12-15 ft. |
| Cannot Ship To | OR, AZ |
| Sunlight | Full to Partial Sun |
| Botanical Name | Acer palmatum Wolff EMPEROR 1® |
Description
Description
Emperor Japanese Maple: Deep Crimson Foliage With a Graceful Upright Shape
Add rich color and elegant structure to your landscape with the Emperor Japanese Maple. This beautiful ornamental tree is known for its deep crimson-red foliage, upright growth, and dependable performance through the growing season.
Its manageable size makes it a strong choice for front yards, patios, entryways, and smaller landscape spaces. With bold color and a naturally tidy form, the Emperor Japanese Maple delivers a polished look without needing constant pruning.
Why You'll Love the Emperor Japanese Maple
Rich Crimson Foliage: Deep red leaves bring bold color to the landscape from spring through summer.
Strong Color Retention: The foliage holds its rich tone well through the season.
More Resilient Growth: Emperor is known for handling cold and sun better than many traditional Japanese maple varieties.
Manageable Size: Mature trees typically reach about 12 to 15 feet tall, making them easier to fit into smaller landscapes.
Upright Shape: Its naturally neat form adds structure without needing heavy pruning.
Great as a Focal Point: Use it as a specimen tree where its color and graceful shape can stand out.
Deep Red Foliage Adds Bold Landscape Color
The standout feature of the Emperor Japanese Maple is its rich crimson foliage.
The leaves bring a strong red tone to garden beds, lawns, patios, and entry areas, creating beautiful contrast with green shrubs, evergreens, stone, and lighter-colored plants.
A Japanese Maple With Dependable Performance
Emperor Japanese Maple is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its tougher growing habit.
Compared with many other Japanese maples, it is known for better tolerance of cold and sun, making it a useful choice for gardeners who want elegant color with dependable growth.
How Big Does an Emperor Japanese Maple Grow?
Emperor Japanese Maple typically grows to about 12 to 15 feet tall over time.
Its moderate size makes it easier to use near homes, patios, walkways, and other areas where a much larger shade tree may not fit.
Where to Plant an Emperor Japanese Maple
Front Yards: Use it as an eye-catching focal point with rich seasonal color.
Patio Areas: Plant it where the graceful foliage can be enjoyed up close.
Entryways: Add height, color, and a refined look near walkways and entrances.
Mixed Landscape Beds: Pair it with evergreens, flowering shrubs, and perennials for strong contrast.
Street-Side Plantings: Its upright shape and manageable size can work well in defined landscape spaces.
Emperor Japanese Maple Sun and Soil Needs
Sunlight: Grow Emperor Japanese Maple in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the foliage.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Japanese maples do best when the roots stay moist but are not waterlogged.
Watering: Water regularly while the tree is becoming established. During hot or dry weather, deep watering can help protect the roots and foliage.
Naturally Upright With Easy Pruning
Emperor Japanese Maple has a naturally upright, balanced shape that usually needs only light pruning.
If shaping is needed, remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches while keeping the tree's natural form.
Great for Large Containers When Young
Young Emperor Japanese Maples can also be grown in large outdoor containers.
This makes them a beautiful option for patios, decks, courtyards, and entryways where you want bold foliage color in a smaller space.
Elegant Color Without a Huge Footprint
If you want a Japanese maple with deep crimson foliage, upright growth, manageable size, good sun tolerance, and dependable landscape performance, Emperor Japanese Maple is an excellent choice.
Plant an Emperor Japanese Maple and enjoy rich red color, graceful structure, and timeless beauty season after season.