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Emperor One Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Wolff'

  • Emperor One Holds Vibrant Plum-Crimson Color Even in Shade, Unlike Most Japanese Maples
  • Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
  • Stunning Crimson Red Fall Foliage
  • Showy Red Blooms in Late Spring
Regular price $22811
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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Attracts Birds, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone 5a to 8b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 10-15 ft
Width 10-15 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Peaty
Growth Rate Moderate
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Red
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Maple
Botanical Name Acer palmatum 'Wolff'
Species palmatum
Cultivar Wolff
Class Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
ArrivalBestLeavesManyTlcTrees
A
Anonymous
on arrival the trees were extremely dry

on arrival the trees were extremely dry. Many of there leaves had fallen off.We are giving them tlc and hoping for the best

K
Kenneth
Our Emperor One Japanese Maple

Our Emperor One Japanese Maple arrived in perfect condition! Positively beautiful and larger than we anticipated! Approximately 3.5 feet with at least 2 dozen leaves!Arrived at the perfect time for planting here in Wisconsin. We have ordered trees from Nature Hills in the past and would not consider ordering anywhere else!Thank you, Nature Hills!❤️️

Hi Kenneth,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Emperor One Japanese Maple arrived healthy and even larger than you expected—that’s music to our ears. It’s fantastic timing that the tree arrived just in time for you to plant it in Wisconsin’s ideal season. We truly appreciate your continued trust in Nature Hills and take great pride in being your go-to source for quality trees.

If you ever need tips on caring for your Japanese Maple through Wisconsin’s seasons, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to share advice on watering schedules, pruning, and protecting it during the colder months to keep your tree thriving for years to come.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

H
H
Guest

I received my Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple in quick order and opened it immediately. It looked wonderful! It had plenty of water, was staked and approximately 3' tall. I was a bit hesitant ordering a tree online. No more. Nature Hills did a great job and I'm looking forward to watching it grow and fill out. Just gotta plant it! :)

Hi H S.,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that your Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple arrived looking healthy and well cared for—our team takes great pride in ensuring each plant reaches you in the best condition possible. It’s completely natural to feel a bit hesitant ordering a tree online at first, so it’s wonderful to know that your experience has eased those concerns.

When you get ready to plant, be sure to choose a spot that provides morning sun with some afternoon shade—Japanese Maples thrive in that environment. If you need tips on planting or care as your tree grows and fills out, we’re here to help with detailed guides or to answer any questions.

We can’t wait to hear updates on your beautiful maple’s progress!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

H
H
Guest

I received my Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple in quick order and opened it immediately. It looked wonderful! It had plenty of water, was staked and approximately 3' tall. I was a bit hesitant ordering a tree online. No more. Nature Hills did a great job and I'm looking forward to watching it grow and fill out. Just gotta plant it! :)

Dear H S.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple! We’re delighted to hear the tree arrived quickly and looking wonderful, and it’s great that the careful packaging — staking and ample watering — gave you confidence after ordering online. We completely understand how ordering a live plant can feel like a leap of faith, and it’s wonderful to know we were able to exceed your expectations.

When you’re ready to plant, be sure to choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil to help your maple thrive. If you need any additional planting tips or care advice as your tree grows, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love supporting gardeners—and we look forward to seeing your beautiful tree fill out with time.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Glen
Emperor One Japanese Maple

Our Emperor One Japanese Maple tree arrived in great shape, and the tree appears to be very healthy. We were glad to find that it was a little larger than we had anticipated. We were very pleased with the service and tree from Nature Hills.

Hello Glen,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Emperor One Japanese Maple! We're delighted to hear that the tree arrived healthy and even a bit larger than you expected—that’s always a pleasant surprise. It’s fantastic that our service and the quality of your tree met your expectations.

If you ever need tips on caring for your Japanese Maple as it grows, such as the best pruning practices or ideal watering schedules, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your new tree thrive for years to come.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Glen
Emperor One Japanese Maple

Our Emperor One Japanese Maple tree arrived in great shape, and the tree appears to be very healthy. We were glad to find that it was a little larger than we had anticipated. We were very pleased with the service and tree from Nature Hills.

Dear Glen,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Emperor One Japanese Maple! We’re delighted to hear that your tree arrived healthy and even larger than expected—that’s always a lovely surprise. It’s fantastic to know you’re pleased both with the quality of the tree and our service.

If you ever need advice on planting, care tips, or guiding your tree’s growth, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your Japanese Maple thrives and adds beauty to your landscape for years to come.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

S
Stephan
Very Happy

The tree arrived safely, I was very impressed with the secure packaging. The plant seems to be doing well after being in the ground for about 10 days.

Hi Stephan,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived safely and that our packaging met your expectations—careful packaging is something we take great pride in to ensure your plants reach you in the best condition. It’s also great news that your tree is doing well after 10 days in the ground. To continue its healthy growth, be sure to monitor watering frequency to keep the soil moist but not soggy and consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and protect roots.

If you have any questions or need tips as your tree settles in, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

S
Shannyn
Gorgeous treeling

Came in as a root ball and I followed the instructions and it's doing great. I have more than half a foot of growth since planting.

Hi Shannyn,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful update! We're thrilled to hear that your root ball arrived safely and that following the instructions has helped your treeling thrive with such impressive growth. It sounds like you'reoff to a fantastic start! If at any point you want tips on seasonal care or additional ways to support your plant’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden flourish.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

s
stephan
Very Happy

The tree arrived safely, I was very impressed with the secure packaging. The plant seems to be doing well after being in the ground for about 10 days.

Hello Stephan,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your tree arrived safely and that the secure packaging made a positive impression. It’s great to know that your plant is settling in well after 10 days in the ground—that’s always such a reassuring milestone.

If you have any questions as your tree continues to grow, or would like tips on care and maintenance specific to your plant, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your garden flourish every step of the way. You might also enjoy checking out our Plant Care Guides on the website for some useful growing tips.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Shannyn
Gorgeous treeling

Came in as a root ball and I followed the instructions and it's doing great. I have more than half a foot of growth since planting.

Dear Shannyn B.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived healthy, complete with a root ball, and that you carefully followed the planting instructions. Seeing more than half a foot of growth is truly fantastic progress—your attentive care is clearly paying off.

If you ever have any questions about ongoing care or want tips on ensuring your tree continues to thrive, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to provide guidance on watering schedules, soil health, pruning, or anything else you might need.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Judd
Employees...Kiel and Charlotte

They were both beyond wonderful. Your corporation is blessed to have them working for you. They were kind, considerate and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. You need to give both of them a BIG raise. You now have a new customer for life. Thank you so much Kiel and Charlotte...Judd

Hello Judd,

Thank you so much for your heartfelt and wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to hear that Kiel and Charlotte made such a positive impression. It truly means a lot to us that their kindness, knowledge, and consideration stood out to you. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them—they’ll be absolutely thrilled (and grateful!) to know they helped secure a customer for life.

If you ever need any plant advice or assistance moving forward, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey every step of the way!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Judd
Employees...Kiel and Charlotte

They were both beyond wonderful. Your corporation is blessed to have them working for you. They were kind, considerate and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. You need to give both of them a BIG raise. You now have a new customer for life. Thank you so much Kiel and Charlotte...Judd

Dear Judd,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly delighted to hear that Kiel and Charlotte provided such kind, knowledgeable, and helpful service during your experience with us. Your praise means a great deal — we’ll definitely be sharing your kind words with them, and we’re grateful for customers like you who remind us why we love doing what we do.

If you ever have questions or need further assistance with your new plants, feel free to reach out anytime. We’re excited to support your gardening journey and are honored to have you as a loyal customer!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Very nice

Came very healthy and full of leaves! About 4 ft tall.

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your plant arrived healthy, full of leaves, and at such a great size. Ensuring your new plant thrives is very important to us—if you ever need tips on care or have questions as it grows, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

For best growth, be sure to keep it in the recommended light conditions and give it the right amount of water suitable to its species, and you’ll continue to enjoy seeing it flourish. You might also enjoy visiting our Care Guides section on NatureHills.com for detailed advice tailored to your plant variety.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Very nice

Came very healthy and full of leaves! About 4 ft tall.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with us! We're delighted to hear that your plant arrived healthy and full of vibrant leaves, and that it stood a strong 4 feet tall—that's always wonderful to see.

If you ever need tips on caring for your plant or want recommendations for complementing it in your garden, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your garden continues to thrive beautifully.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Excellent service, nice trees

Excellent service, nice trees

Hi,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed both our service and the quality of the trees you received. It means a lot to us to know we could help bring something special to your garden.

If you ever have any questions about planting or caring for your new trees, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way, whether it’s through planting tips or ensuring your trees thrive for years to come.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Better than what I thought

My purchase of an Emperor One Japanese Maple was exceptional! I am VERY PLEASED with my new tree. It came quickly and in very good condition. It is a pleasure to share my space with such a beautiful specimen.

Hi,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback on your Emperor One Japanese Maple! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived quickly and in excellent condition, and it sounds like it’s already bringing joy and beauty to your space. Japanese Maples are truly special trees, and it’s fantastic to know that yours is exceeding your expectations.

If you have any questions about care or want tips to keep your tree thriving all year round, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support your planting journey every step of the way!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Arrived in good condition and

Arrived in good condition and safe packing, growing well

Hi,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear your order arrived safely and that your plants are growing well. Proper packing is something we take great pride in, so it’s wonderful to know it reached you in good condition. If you ever have questions about care or want tips to help your garden thrive even more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your green space journey.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Guest
Buyer

The tree arrived in great condition. It was in a pot which I prefer much more then bare roots. It was taller then expected too which was a nice surprise.Thank you!

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your tree arrived in great condition and that receiving it potted was a pleasant surprise for you. It’s always our goal to provide healthy, vibrant plants that exceed expectations—even in height!

If you ever have questions about the care or planting tips for your new tree, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have plenty of resources on our site to help your tree thrive, and we’re more than happy to offer personalized advice.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Guest
Arrived in good condition and

Arrived in good condition and is growing well. Thanks

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your plant arrived in good condition and is growing well. It’s always so rewarding for us to know our plants are thriving in their new homes.

If you ever have any questions about caring for your plant as it continues to grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have a wealth of planting tips and care guides on NatureHills.com to help you nurture every stage of your garden.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Gorgeous!

I ordered my tree five months ago during winter so it was a risk, but once the warmer weather came, the bright red leaves started blooming and they are gorgeous!! I am so happy with my purchase! Thank you!

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree has not only survived the winter but has come alive with such vibrant red leaves. It’s always a joy to see our customers’ plants thrive with the changing seasons, and your success makes it all the more rewarding for us.

If you ever need tips on pruning or seasonal care to keep that gorgeous foliage shining bright, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help you keep your garden flourishing.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Excellent service, nice trees

Excellent service, nice trees

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you were pleased with both our service and the quality of the trees you received. It’s always our goal to provide beautiful plants and outstanding support to help your garden thrive.

If you ever have any questions about caring for your new trees or want recommendations for future planting projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

G
Guest
Apple tree

I was not as happy with the apple tree. I felt it had too many broken branches and not as healthy as the Japanese Maple

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your apple tree. We’re truly sorry to hear that it didn’t meet your expectations, especially compared to your Japanese Maple. We understand how disappointing it can be to receive a tree with broken branches or less vitality than anticipated.

Apple trees can sometimes arrive with minor branch damage due to shipping and handling, but that’s something we want to help you address. We recommend gently pruning any broken or damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth. If you continue to have concerns about the tree’s health, please feel free to reach out to our plant care specialists; we’d be happy to guide you through specific care tips or discuss possible solutions such as replacements.

Additionally, nature’s nurturing touch—the right water, light, and pruning routines—can often help your apple tree thrive beautifully. For detailed care information, you might find our Apple Tree Care Guide on NatureHills.com providing extra tips especially for every growth stage.

Thank you again for your honest review. Your experience helps us continue improving so we can provide the best quality plants to all our valued customers.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

G
Guest
Arrived within a couple weeks.

Arrived within a couple weeks. Everything looked healthy

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re delighted to hear that your order arrived promptly and that everything looked healthy upon arrival. A quick, healthy delivery means so much for getting your garden off to the best start.

If you have any questions as your plants grow or need tips for care, feel free to reach out – we’re always here to help you thrive! You might also enjoy our Care Guides on the website, tailored to help every plant flourish year-round.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Emperor One Japanese Maple suitable for?

  • Emperor One Japanese Maple thrives in USDA zones 5-8. This hardy variety tolerates a wide range of growing conditions and climate variations. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

Is this tree deer resistant or will I need to protect it from browsing?

  • Japanese Maples including Emperor One are not deer resistant and are actually preferred browse for deer. Young trees are especially vulnerable to damage from browsing on tender new growth and bark. Protect with fencing or deer repellent, particularly during the first few years of establishment when shopping at Nature Hills.

What are some good companion plants to pair with the Emperor One Japanese Maple?

  • Emperor One pairs beautifully with shade-tolerant hostas, ferns, and heuchera that complement its plum and crimson foliage. Consider underplanting with Japanese forest grass or astilbe for textural contrast. Plant azaleas or rhododendrons nearby for spring blooms that won't compete with the maple's three-season color show.

How much maintenance and pruning does this tree require annually?

  • Emperor One Japanese Maples require minimal annual maintenance once established. Light pruning in late fall or winter to remove dead or crossing branches is typically sufficient. Avoid heavy pruning as it can affect the tree's natural form and reduce next season's vibrant color display.

Will the Emperor One Japanese Maple tolerate clay soil or does it need amended soil?

  • Emperor One Japanese Maple prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil and struggles in heavy clay without amendments. Clay soil retains too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. Amend clay areas with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage before planting this stunning variety available at naturehills.com.

What fall color can I expect from the Emperor One Japanese Maple's foliage?

  • Emperor One Japanese Maple displays brilliant crimson and rich plum tones in fall, maintaining its vibrant color even in partial shade locations. The deeply incised leaves create an almost translucent, glowing effect when backlit by autumn sun. Plant in acid soil with morning sun for the most intense fall display.

What is the typical growth rate of this variety - slow, moderate, or fast?

  • Emperor One Japanese Maple has a moderate growth rate, faster than most Japanese maple varieties. This compact tree reaches maturity at a manageable size while still providing quicker establishment than traditional slow-growing maples. Expect steady annual growth that fills out nicely within a few seasons.