{"product_id":"emperor-japanese-maple","title":"Emperor Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeep crimson foliage that holds its color longer than almost any other Japanese maple — the Emperor is the bold, reliable choice for season-long red.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmperor Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Emperor I') is a standout upright maple selected specifically for its superior color retention and cold hardiness. The deep crimson-red leaves emerge in spring and hold their rich tone through the heat of summer — a quality that separates it from varieties that fade to bronze-green by July. Growing to a manageable 12–15 feet tall with a naturally upright, vase-shaped habit, it fits comfortably as a front yard focal point, a patio accent, or a refined street tree. It's more cold-hardy and sun-tolerant than many Japanese maples, making it a reliable performer across a wider range of landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat I love about it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmperor is the Japanese maple for people who've been disappointed by color fade. The crimson holds. Through spring, through summer heat, right into fall when it intensifies to brilliant scarlet before dropping. The upright habit is naturally tidy — it doesn't sprawl or require constant pruning to look good. It's cold-hardy to Zone 5, handles more sun than most Japanese maples, and grows at a moderate pace that's easy to manage. If you want a Japanese maple that delivers on its promise season after season, Emperor is your tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlant Care Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e☀️ \u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade — more sun-tolerant than most Japanese maples\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e💧 \u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply until established; moderate water needs once mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌡️ \u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy to -20°F (Zone 5); improved cold hardiness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🪴 \u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy — low-maintenance once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐾 \u003cstrong\u003ePet Safety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-toxic to cats and dogs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal needed; naturally tidy upright form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlant Specs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–15 ft tall, 8–10 ft wide (upright vase shape)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep crimson-red; holds color through summer; brilliant scarlet fall color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, vase-shaped\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBloom bold. Be cheeky.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Good Logistics","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft. (2G)","offer_id":50051111715064,"sku":"DST-JAP-EMP-12-2G","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-3ft. (2G)","offer_id":50051111747832,"sku":"DST-JAP-EMP-23-2G","price":129.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3-4ft. (3G)","offer_id":50051111780600,"sku":"DST-JAP-EMP-23-3G","price":149.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/0969\/0104\/files\/shutterstock_2687170575.jpg?v=1784839967","url":"https:\/\/cheekygarden.com\/products\/emperor-japanese-maple","provider":"Cheeky Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}