I (zone 5b Ontario) have space in shade for a JM which can be aesthetically maintained to at most 4 feet. We want the foliage to be red but if there are different shades of red we want it as light red and bright red as possible. Which of these varieties most impresses you? Ruth’s Red Swat Margaret Brandt's Dwarf And these even smaller offerings? Bashful Fireball Sherwood Elfin
Of the cultivars you mention, I only have experience with Sherwood Elfin, and I really, really like it a lot. But, I don't know that it will have the color you're wanting... For me in KS, it is a very deep purple-red initially, becoming a bit more purplish later in spring/early summer, then fairly green with a purple/bronze cast in summer; unfortunately, I haven't had much of a fall display the last two years due to, I'm sure, our long, intensely hot summers. You wouldn't have to deal with that, obviously, and my tree is still fairly young at 4yrs, so some of it coloring may change slightly as it gets older. But, I highly recommend this little maple!!!
