The ‘Emperor 1’ is a newer Japanese Maple cultivar resembling and often compared to ‘Bloodgood’. In comparison the leaves of ‘Emperor 1’ have a brighter red than ‘Bloodgood’ and leafs out a couple weeks later making it less susceptible to late spring frost damage. It is also said to have a good tolerance to heat while holding its color well. Spring and summer leaves are a dark red/burgundy.
