Any chance an 'Emperor' at H.D. could be true?

17 years ago

We are in the process, of trying to purchase our first Japanese Maple. I've wanted one for so many years,

but they have been cost prohibitive for anything of any size, for us until now!

My question, we have shopped our local nursery, and they have an Emperor 1, four ft. in a very large

container priced at $219. It is more bushy and is putting out "fruit" right now!

We have seen what they are calling an "Emporer" (no #1 following the name) for $129,at Home Depot,

that is about 5-6 ft. tall. It is more upright with no "fruit" at this time! We actually like the size

and shape of the one at H.D. but I fear that it may not be a true cultivar of the "Emperor 1"!

Has anyone else purchased an "Emperor" from H.D. and been sorry or disappointed in what they wound

up with?

I want to make a wise decision, but that is a pretty big IS more reasonable for that particular JP?

Thank you so much--I normally "hang-out" at the Hosta Forum, but I want to add more color to our garden

with a JP and decided this was the place to go for good advice!! :O)

Janice

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Comments (8)

myersphcf
17 years ago
There is really NO way to tell if either is a true emporer IMHO...and most think the E and e1 or the same...someone else may have a better handle on differnces IF ANY... 250$ is not cheap for a four foot tree $125.00 is a good price for 5-6 ft tree.You might want to check with Della at http://nurserygirl1.tripod.com/index.html ...before you purchase she sells only larger trees for about 70$ + shipping which to your area via dhl is about 10-12$ . She is getting in about 60 new trees tomarrow and deals with a big well established grower whose stuff is both top drawer and true to name!!..I have no idea whether E or E1 is on her list. I bought one from her last year 4-5 ft and it is doing great ...a nice fully branched larger tree. Unless the gurantee is better at the nursery or the tree is nicer I don't see how you could go wrong with HD as much as i'd like to see the local nursery supported ...that is just to big of price differnce...especially ifthe hd one is a nicer tree...now if that$250 includes delivery and planting i might think differntly ;>). David
dawgie
17 years ago
If the trees are healthy looking and appear to be the right variety, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Japanese maple from Home Depot. In the past, HD and Lowes near me have had some nice varieties of JMs, including Emperor, Fireglow, Red Pygmy, Crimson Queen and Red Dragon. I bought a Red Dragon at HD a couple of years ago and it has grown nicely. I still regret not buying a Fireglow at the same time because it was only $30, and I haven't seen them for less than $100 in any of the nurseries.

If you are considering buying a tree from HD or Lowes or other big box stores, examine it carefully to see if it has been watered properly. (Burnt and shriveled leaves are a good sign that it has not.) Also look for broken branches and other damage. Keep your receipt because a lot of these stores will give you a refund if the tree dies within a year.
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deep___roots
17 years ago
I got emperor 1 in 2 gallon for 25 bucks a couple years ago at Orchard Supply Hardware, which is a chain out here in the West and one of HD's local competitors.

More variety seems to be the watchword as competition has increased. If you like the tree, buy it. Sometimes trees are mislabeled, but not often. Dark red stems, dark leaves? It probably is the real deal.

I recently planted out my 2 gallon in a fairly sunny spot. It has held leaf shape well in the sun with no burning or crinkling. A fence will be built that will give the roots more shade, but I picked this tree for this spot because I thought it would handle the sun better than some other varieties. So far, so good.
bamadave
17 years ago
I just bought one labeled 'Emperor I' from a Home Depot for my in-laws. I have no idea whether it's the real deal or not, but it does have dark leaves and stems and appears to be a vigorous grower.
Janice
Original Author
17 years ago
Well--we did it--we got the "Emporer (without a "1") from Home Depot, 6ft. $129.00! Funny, the "mention" to look for the red leaves and stems because I noticed that, (the dark red stems) and I didn't even know to look for them!

The graft was about 1 1/2" above the burlap wrapping! Is that good?

Thanks for all the encouragement on our "first" JP purchase! I'm sure, it won't be our last and as we become more "familiar" with them, thanks to this forum and you folks--we will probably become really "particular" about
where we do get them from.

But, for a first-time purchase and "try"--I'm happy thus far--but it's still in the back of our van! It's raining "cats and dogs", and I thought "they" just might damage it, getting it out! :O)
deep___roots
17 years ago
I guess you qualify as an "impulse" buyer now. Ha ha.
Anyways, good for you.
Don't forget to get that burlap off before you plant.
Keep a close eye on it if you have hot weather and water as needed...in normal weather once a week is about right, in a general way for this first summer.
Yep, these are addictive trees. I've got 30 or more...I'm afraid to count the exact number. They are certainly beautiful this time of year...and then there's the Fall colors which are the real payoff.
actuary97
17 years ago
hey_j

Youre making me crazy,

I saw one of these trees at the local HD in NJ about 6ft and only $99

Wait.......... Cant Stop Myself..............being pulled out the door by an uncontrollable urge........... stop me before I plant again..........

Dave
Janice
Original Author
17 years ago
Run Dave------go for it!!! I can't be the only one given to such "impulses"!!! LOL

"deep-roots"---sooo, it sounds like JP's are as addictive as hosta!!LOL That's bad!!

Janice

Any chance an 'Emperor' at H.D. could be true?

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Any chance an 'Emperor' at H.D. could be true?

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