Japanese Maple ' Purple Ghost ' Grafted

Some maples are admired from across the yard. ‘Purple Ghost’ pulls you in close. The leaves look almost painted — deep plum to burgundy overlaid with dark veining that follows the leaf like ink brushed into rice paper. In spring the contrast is strongest: a luminous purple leaf with shadowed veins and translucent edges that glow when backlit by morning sun.

As summer heat settles, the color deepens to rich wine-red while the “ghosted” vein pattern remains visible. Come autumn, the tree finishes in scarlet and crimson tones. Even in the still heat of late July, it refuses to wash out the way many red maples do in the South.

This is a selection valued by collectors because it behaves as well as it looks. Upright but moderate, refined rather than sprawling, it makes a focal point without requiring a large property. The graft ensures the plant remains true to the original cultivar and develops a strong framework early in life.

Mature Size
8–12 ft. tall
6–8 ft. wide

Growth Rate
Moderate for a Japanese maple

Light Requirements
Morning sun, afternoon shade in warm climates
Handles filtered sun well; protect from hot western exposure

Soil
Well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)

Watering
Consistent moisture during establishment
Avoid wet, poorly drained locations

Cold Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9

Landscape Uses

• Specimen focal tree

• Courtyard planting

• Accent near patios and walkways

• Woodland edge gardens

• Collector or feature planting

Minimal pruning required. Remove only dead or crossing branches in late winter. Japanese maples resent heavy shaping — they already know the form they are supposed to take.

Planted where afternoon light filters through, ‘Purple Ghost’ becomes less a tree and more a living piece of stained glass.

DISCLAIMER - WE ADVISE THAT THE BEST TIME TO SHIP IS FROM OCTOBER TO MAY. SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THAT TIME PERIOD CAN BE EXTREMELY STRESSFUL TO ANY LIVING PLANT. ON MOST OCCASIONS, PLANTS WILL SURVIVE THAT STRESS AND GO ON TO THRIVE. HOWEVER, OCCASIONALLY SOME WILL PERISH.  WE DO NOT GUARANTEE TREES THAT WE DON’T PLANT, SO ONLINE SALES ARE AS IS. WE DO NOT SHIP TREES IN CONTAINERS/POTS AS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE SHIPPING CHARGES. WE SECURE TREE ROOTS IN LARGE PLASTIC BAGS PACKED WITH WET MEDIUM. IF YOU WISH TO SPECIFY A SHIP DATE, PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER. OTHER WISE IT WILL SHIP AS SOON AS WERE ABLE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CANCELLATIONS ONCE AN ORDER IS PLACED. PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ORDERING. SHIPPING TO ALASKA AND HAWAII IS EXTRA. OUR SHIPPING TIMEFRAME IS AN ESTIMATE NOT A GUARANTEE AS WE ARE AFFECTED BY WEATHER EVENTS, STAFFING ETC. Japanese Maple ' Purple Ghost ' trees ready for shipment. My personal favorite cultivar of the Japanese maple. These are about 5' high. Magnificent ruffled foliage on a densely branched, upright tree with a spreading canopy adds a thrilling element to the landscape. Deep purple-red spring foliage has prominent black veins. Iridescent summer foliage turns green while maintaining purple undertones. Fall foliage is a vibrant garnet-red. Develops best color in full sun. Deciduous. Grows in zones 5-8. Please reach out with any questions.