Acer palmatum ‘Emma’ / Japanese Maple
Frequently Bought Together
Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Japanese Maple ‘Emma’
- Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Emma’
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub / small tree
- Mature Height: 2–3m (often slower and smaller in pots)
- Mature Spread: 1.5–2.5m
- Foliage Colour: Spring–summer rich red to burgundy; autumn glowing crimson tones
- Leaf Shape: Finely cut, palmate leaves (delicate, lacy look)
- Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy in most UK & Ireland gardens; shelter improves performance)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral
- Aspect: Part shade / dappled shade (morning sun ideal; shelter from harsh wind)
- Maintenance: Low
Description
Acer palmatum ‘Emma’ is a beautifully refined Japanese maple with rich red foliage and that unmistakable, delicate silhouette that makes a garden feel instantly considered. Its finely cut leaves unfurl in spring in deep burgundy tones, holding their colour through summer in the right spot, before turning to glowing crimson shades in autumn.
It’s a plant that rewards you for placing it well: give it shelter from wind, avoid the hottest afternoon sun, and keep the soil evenly moist (never waterlogged), and ‘Emma’ will bring years of quiet drama—soft movement, layered colour, and a sense of calm structure that works in both modern and traditional gardens.
Perfect as a specimen in a border, beside a patio, or in a large pot where you can enjoy the detail up close, this is one of those trees that doesn’t shout—yet somehow becomes the one you look at most.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Plant in spring or autumn. Choose a sheltered position with dappled shade or gentle morning sun—this helps protect the foliage from scorching and wind-scorch. Dig a generous hole and improve the soil with ericaceous compost or leaf mould if your soil is alkaline. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Plant in spring or autumn. Choose a sheltered position with dappled shade or gentle morning sun—this helps protect the foliage from scorching and wind-scorch. Dig a generous hole and improve the soil with ericaceous compost or leaf mould if your soil is alkaline. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Soil Preparation:
Japanese maples love humus-rich, free-draining soil. They dislike sitting wet, but they also hate drying out. Improve heavy soil with compost and fine bark; improve sandy soil with organic matter to hold moisture. A yearly mulch is the best “feed” you can give.
Japanese maples love humus-rich, free-draining soil. They dislike sitting wet, but they also hate drying out. Improve heavy soil with compost and fine bark; improve sandy soil with organic matter to hold moisture. A yearly mulch is the best “feed” you can give.
Watering:
Water regularly in the first year, especially in dry spells. In containers, check moisture often in summer—pots dry quickly. Aim for consistent moisture rather than occasional soaking.
Water regularly in the first year, especially in dry spells. In containers, check moisture often in summer—pots dry quickly. Aim for consistent moisture rather than occasional soaking.
Seasonal Care:
Low maintenance. Prune only if needed, and do it lightly in late summer (or mid-winter when fully dormant), removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
Low maintenance. Prune only if needed, and do it lightly in late summer (or mid-winter when fully dormant), removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
Pests & Problems:
Leaf scorch is the most common issue—usually caused by wind, strong sun, or drying out. A sheltered spot and steady moisture prevent most problems.
Leaf scorch is the most common issue—usually caused by wind, strong sun, or drying out. A sheltered spot and steady moisture prevent most problems.
Design Notes:
A perfect specimen for borders, courtyards, and large pots. Looks stunning with ferns, hostas, hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass), hellebores, and soft evergreen structure. Use it where you’ll see it often—near a doorway, a path, or a favourite seat.
A perfect specimen for borders, courtyards, and large pots. Looks stunning with ferns, hostas, hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass), hellebores, and soft evergreen structure. Use it where you’ll see it often—near a doorway, a path, or a favourite seat.
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