Plant Library

Acer Palmatum 'Purple Ghost'

Purple Ghost Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Purple Ghost’ is a highly sought-after Japanese maple known for its dramatic ghost-type foliage and rich seasonal color. Spring leaves emerge deep purple to burgundy with dark, contrasting veins, giving the foliage a striking, almost stained-glass appearance.
As the season progresses, color deepens to plum-purple with blackish veining, especially in partial shade. In fall, ‘Purple Ghost’ puts on an intense display of crimson, scarlet, and fiery red, often among the most vivid of all Japanese maples. Leaves are medium-sized with classic palmate form and pronounced venation.
The habit is upright and rounded, forming a well-structured ornamental tree. ‘Purple Ghost’ performs best in partial shade, where leaf color is richest and leaf scorch is minimized, and prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil.
Size


Width: 8–10 ft


Height: 10–15 ft


Hardiness


USDA Zones: 5–8


Best Uses


Specimen tree for dramatic foliage


Japanese or Asian-inspired gardens


Accent tree in protected garden settings


Color contrast in mixed borders


Collector tree for rare foliage characteristics

Minimum zone

5

Maximum zone

9

Height

12-15'

Width

8-10'