Emperor One Japanese Maple Tree
Acer palmatum 'Wolff'
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Preorder Shipping Schedule
We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.
| Zone 3-4 | Week of March 30th |
| Zone 5 | Week of March 16th |
| Zone 6-12 | Week of March 2nd |
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.
Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.
There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
- Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
- Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Full Root Pouch planting guide
Choosing the Right Size
| Size | Plant Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quart | 6 mo to 1 yr | Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings. |
| #1 Container | 1 to 2 yrs | Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners. |
| #2 Container | 2 to 3 yrs | Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment. |
| #3 Container | 3 to 4 yrs | Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size. |
| #5 and larger | 4+ yrs | Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact. |
Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Description
Reigning Monarch Emperor One Japanese Maple!
- Landscaper's Favorite
- Holds Color in the Shade
- Rich Plum & Brilliant Crimson
- Lustrous Leaves With Outstanding Color
- Three Seasons Interest
- Wide, Upright Form
- Full Sun or Part Shade
- Acid Soil Tolerance
- Ornamental Accent
- Faster Growing, Small Tree
- Compact Form
- Thrives in a Wide Range of Growing Zones
Japanese Maples are easily one of the most beautiful trees that you can buy to enhance your landscape! The gorgeous Emperor One Japanese Maple tree (Acer palmatum 'Wolff') is indeed the cream of the crop!
This exceptionally ornamental tree has absolutely gorgeous color, lasting throughout all three seasons of the growing season! Plus amazing color that transitions throughout the year!
The Emperor One, or 'Red Emperor' as it is sometimes called, is slower to leaf out in the spring than other species of red Japanese Maples. This means that it isn't as susceptible to surprise spring frost damage as other varieties can sometimes be.
One of the great qualities of Emperor One is of course its beautiful leaves! They are exquisitely shaped and colored, but what makes them stand out is their almost translucent quality! Deeply incised and evenly toothed margins create a magical look!
Emperor One seems to be glowing from the inside like a lantern when the sun hits it from behind. You have to see it to understand it, and once you do you won't ever forget it! Even pictures can't capture this beauty!
Just one of these beautiful trees accentuates the home landscape in such a way, that it creates an environment of calming mystique and an air of peaceful relaxation.
How to Use Emperor One Japanese Maple In The Landscape
Emperor One Japanese Maple trees are of course iconic additions to Asian-inspired gardens. Planted near a water feature so they can reflect in the still waters and become the crowning jewel of the landscape.
Their shape and form lend that certain elegance to Zen gardens, formal beds and commercial plantings, and fit into modern gardens or urban landscapes alike. You can see why these amazing trees are a landscaper's go-to plant for their designs!
Colorful additions to any bed or border, these graceful trees are both superb accent plants and stand-out landscape anchors that add finery to the garden. Underplant with perennials to add living mulch and companion plant color. Highlight with a back border of conifers to let these really stand out and show off.
Plant one at the corner of your home or foundation shrubs to increase your curb appeal exponentially, or one near the entrance of your home to welcome visitors with regal flair. Your property will look like you spent big bucks for that designer's touch!
A vigorous tree, they are instant focal points to any style landscape and just the right shape for creating a welcoming row along the drive, and the perfect size to provide delicious shade along your back patio. Japanese Maples add elegance, color and cooling shading without sacrificing space!
It will also thrive in a very large container which will keep it naturally much smaller. Just be sure this large planter has great drainage holes and rich soil. If you want to keep it really small, you can prune the Japanese Maple Emperor One as an amazing bonsai!
Especially when planted in hot climates, Japanese Maples appreciate some afternoon shade, so why not buy yours a shade tree of its own? Try other fiery red Maples like the Autumn Blaze Maple!
#ProPlantTips For Care
Like other deciduous Japanese Maple, Emperor One is a vigorous grower and reaches a lovely 10-15 feet in both height and in width, but it can be pruned to any size as needed. The leaves bud later than others to avoid late spring frosts.
Favoring the morning sun, the Emperor One Japanese Maple trees grow in both full sun and partial shade with no loss in that gorgeous, saturated color. Easily holding onto those plums and crimsons in the shade and sun without fading.
However, in most areas of the country, all Japanese Maple varieties appreciate some afternoon shade, especially in the hotter climates. These delicate leaves can actually get sunburned!
Cold-hardy and doing exceptionally well in colder winters, where they can tolerate full sun, Emperor One thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. A generous layer of mulch does wonders for all plants and trees, retaining soil moisture better as well as insulating the root system from heat and chill.
Preferring rich, moist soil that is amended with organic matter, compost, and humus. Japanese Maples need proper moisture and access to water. They also require well-drained soils so the root system does not sit in water. Be sure to never allow your Emperor One to dry out, especially during that crucial establishment period!
Placement is best by the front entrance or when used as an anchor for your foundation planting. Landscape lighting will make this plant shine! Be sure to up-light it for a truly striking garden statement! Your yard will look like you paid a king's ransom for it (but we'll keep your secret!).
Adding Emperor One to your garden provides that regal, elegant touch. That crowning glory for your landscape, the red carpet to welcome guests, or that one missing piece to the puzzle that brings your entire design together!
Don't wait another moment, order an Emperor One Japanese Maple and complete your garden's vision today! Call Nature Hills right away!
Specifications
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
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