Buy Emperor I Japanese Maple trees for sale in North Florida at Advanced Nursery Growers. Emperor I Japanese Maple, also known as Acer palmatum ‘Wolff’ Emperor I, is a beautiful red Japanese maple known for its deep burgundy-red foliage, upright shape, and excellent landscape appeal. It is often compared to Bloodgood Japanese Maple, but Emperor I is known for holding good red color and leafing out a little later in spring, which can help reduce late frost damage in some areas.
Emperor I Japanese Maple produces rich red to purple-red leaves in spring and summer, followed by bright crimson-red fall color. Its graceful branching and upright, rounded form make it a standout ornamental tree for front yards, patios, entryways, courtyards, shade gardens, and Japanese-style landscapes.
This Japanese maple is a great choice for customers who want a colorful small ornamental tree that adds elegance without becoming too large. In hot Southern climates like North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama, and the Gulf Coast, Emperor I performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade, moist well-drained soil, and mulch around the root zone.
Best For
Emperor I Japanese Maple is best for specimen planting, front yard accents, patios, entryways, small ornamental tree plantings, Japanese gardens, woodland edges, shade gardens, and landscape beds where customers want bold red foliage and beautiful fall color.
Plant Details
Botanical Name:Acer palmatum ‘Wolff’ Emperor I Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree Mature Size: About 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, though some listings show 10–15 feet depending on growing conditions. USDA Zones: Commonly listed for Zones 5–8, with some sources listing into Zone 9 when properly sited. Sunlight: Morning sun to part shade; afternoon shade is best in North Florida Foliage Color: Deep red to burgundy-red; crimson-red fall color Bloom: Small reddish-purple spring flowers, not showy Growth Rate: Moderate Soil: Moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil Water Needs: Moderate; water regularly while establishing
North Florida Growing Tips
In our hot North Florida climate, Emperor I Japanese Maple should be planted where it receives morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Avoid reflected heat from driveways, rock mulch, or metal buildings. Use pine bark or natural mulch to help keep the roots cool and the soil evenly moist.
Why Buy From Advanced Nursery Growers
Advanced Nursery Growers offers Japanese maples, fruit trees, citrus, persimmons, blueberries, pears, plums, apples, figs, muscadines, ornamentals, shrubs, and landscape plants for customers in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Freeport, Ponce de Leon, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Panama City Beach, Dothan AL, Tallahassee, North Florida, South Alabama, and the Gulf Coast.
We are a local plant nursery focused on plants that perform well in Southern gardens and landscapes.
No shipping at this time — local pickup only. Wholesale available for qualified nurseries. Contact Advanced Nursery Growers for availability and pricing.
FAQ
Does Emperor I Japanese Maple grow well in North Florida? Yes, Emperor I Japanese Maple can grow in North Florida when planted in the right location. It does best with morning sun, afternoon shade, mulch, and well-drained soil.
How big does Emperor I Japanese Maple get? Emperor I usually grows about 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, depending on age, pruning, soil, and site conditions.
Is Emperor I Japanese Maple the same as Bloodgood? No. They are similar red Japanese maples, but Emperor I is a separate cultivar. Emperor I is often described as more upright and vigorous, with leaves that emerge slightly later in spring.
Does Emperor I Japanese Maple stay red? It has deep red to burgundy foliage through much of the growing season, with bright crimson-red fall color. In very hot conditions, some summer bronzing may occur.
Can Emperor I Japanese Maple take full sun? It may tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but in North Florida it is best planted in morning sun with afternoon shade.
Can I pick up Emperor I Japanese Maple locally? Yes. Emperor I Japanese Maple trees are available for local nursery pickup at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, when in stock.
