Emperor 1 Japanese Maple. This versatile red-leaf cultivar of Japanese maples is considered by many to be superior to 'Bloodgood', the cultivar by which all red-leaf Japanese maples are measured. It is a faster grower, and it holds its red coloration in the shade far better than 'Bloodgood'. It was developed by Richard P. Wolff of Red Maple Nursery, Media, Pennsylvania. In addition to its spring color, the fall color is one of the best of all cultivars of Japanese maple. It also comes into leaf two weeks later than 'Bloodgood', making it miss many late spring frosts. 'Red Emperor', also originating from Red Maple Nursery, is almost identical, and also may actually be the same plant. Probably DNA analysis would be the only way to tell for sure. All of these are grown from cuttings or air layers, so that they are on there own roots, and they are ideal for bonsai since they don't show an obvious graft union.
Zones 5-9
