Acer Red Emperor
Acer Red Emperor
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' is a beautiful Japanese Maple prized for its rich red-purple foliage, elegant branching and impressive autumn colour. New leaves emerge a vibrant deep red in spring, developing into darker burgundy-red tones through summer before finishing the season in brilliant shades of scarlet and crimson.
With an upright, broadly rounded habit, 'Red Emperor' makes an outstanding feature tree without becoming overwhelmingly large. It is particularly effective in courtyards, Japanese-inspired gardens, mixed borders or anywhere its contrasting foliage can be appreciated.
For New Zealand gardeners wanting a reliable red-leaved Japanese Maple with multiple seasons of interest, 'Red Emperor' is an excellent choice.
Why You'll Love Acer 'Red Emperor'
- Rich red to burgundy foliage
- Brilliant scarlet-red autumn colour
- Elegant upright, rounded form
- Excellent feature tree
- Provides colour across three seasons
- Ideal for courtyards and smaller gardens
- Frost hardy once established
- Beautiful contrast against green foliage
- Expected 5 Year Height 3.0 M Width 3.0 M
Is Acer Red Emperor suitable for my garden?
Is Acer Red Emperor suitable for my garden?
Acer Red Emperor is best suited in a position that gets
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Acer Red Emperor is
- Cold hardy
- Deciduous
- Frost Tolerant
Acer Red Emperor will thrive in soil that is
- Acidic
- Nutrient rich
- Free draining
How to establish your Acer Red Emperor?
How to establish your Acer Red Emperor?
Plant in full sun to part shade.
In cooler parts of New Zealand, 'Red Emperor' can perform well in a sunny position. In hotter or particularly exposed gardens, some protection from intense afternoon sun and drying winds will help prevent leaf scorch.
A sheltered position is particularly important while the tree is young.
How to maintain your Acer Red Emperor once established?
How to maintain your Acer Red Emperor once established?
Water deeply and regularly during the first couple of growing seasons while the root system establishes.
Don't rely on light surface watering. A good, deep soak encourages the roots to grow further into the surrounding soil.
Once established, water during prolonged dry periods, particularly during hot Canterbury summers.
Japanese Maple foliage can scorch when plants become excessively dry, especially when combined with hot winds.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to:
Retain soil moisture
Keep the roots cooler during summer
Reduce competition from weeds
Gradually improve the soil
Keep mulch slightly away from the trunk rather than piling it directly against the bark.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring as new growth begins.
Avoid excessive feeding, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilisers. Too much nitrogen can encourage lots of soft growth that is more vulnerable to wind and weather damage.
One of the best things about Japanese Maples is that they generally need very little pruning.
Allow 'Red Emperor' to develop its naturally attractive branching structure.
If pruning is required:
Remove dead or damaged branches.
Remove branches that are rubbing or crossing.
Lightly shape young trees if necessary.
Avoid excessive or repeated hard pruning.
Japanese Maples look best when their natural form is allowed to develop.
Acer 'Red Emperor' is frost hardy and well suited to cooler New Zealand gardens.
As a deciduous tree, it loses its foliage during winter and enters dormancy before producing fresh growth again in spring.
Newly planted trees will appreciate mulch around their root zone, particularly through their first few winters.
Japanese Maples generally aren't difficult plants, but their foliage can be sensitive to extreme conditions.
Brown or crispy leaf margins during summer are often associated with:
Hot drying winds
Insufficient water
Intense afternoon sun
Very exposed planting positions
A sheltered site with consistent moisture will keep the foliage looking its best.
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