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

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

12-15'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Indian Red, Maroon

Fall color

Red

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Shape

Broad Upright

Drought tolerant

No