Purple Ghost Japanese Maple

Purple Ghost Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost')

Purple Ghost Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost') is a compact, upright selection prized for reticulated leaves that emerge deep purple with blackish veining, soften to wine purple in summer, and finish crimson in fall; its refined size and layered texture create a dramatic focal point for shaded borders, courtyards, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Purple Ghost' is part of the Ghost series, featuring pronounced dark veining over richly colored foliage that glows in filtered light; smooth gray bark and tidy branching provide winter structure on a tree that typically matures 8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; avoid hot afternoon sun to preserve color and reduce scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain even moisture; do not allow prolonged drought or waterlogging.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 8 to 12 ft tall, 6 to 10 ft wide, upright rounded habit.
• Humidity: Average; ensure airflow in warm summers.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Reticulated purple foliage delivers high contrast in dappled light.
• Entry Gardens: Frames walks and patios with dramatic seasonal color.
• Containers: Excellent in large, sheltered planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with green and gold shrubs and conifers.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, water, and moss features.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil consistently moist.
• Pruning: Light structural edits in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer pruning.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer each spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Site out of drying wind to limit leaf scorch; generally resilient when soil drains well and airflow is good.

Why Choose Purple Ghost Japanese Maple?

• Rare Color and Veining: Deep purple leaves with dramatic dark reticulation.
• Seasonal Brilliance: Wine tones in summer and crimson fall display.
• Manageable Size: Fits residential landscapes and patio containers.
• Close Up Interest: Layered branching and patterned leaves reward near viewing.
• Design Impact: Elevates shaded plantings with bold contrast and texture.

For the richest purple and sharpest veining, grow in morning sun with afternoon shade and maintain steady, well drained soil moisture.