Purple Ghost Maple specimen Purple Ghost Japanese Maple in the garden Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Leaf
Purple Ghost Maple specimen Purple Ghost Japanese Maple in the garden Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Leaf

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Purple Ghost Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'

Plant Purple Ghost Japanese Maple near walkways or patios so you can fully enjoy the almost iridescent leaves. The dark almost black veining of the leaves make this tree a true standout in the garden. In the fall the brigh red color of the leaves adds a bright pop of color to any landscape.

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Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Trees for Sale Online

Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is a beautiful small to mid-sized upright Japanese Maple that adds distinctive color to the landscape. The finger-like leaves have a deep purple/red color with dark maroon almost black veins in early spring. The leaves take on a green color in the summer but maintain their dark purple undertones. The Purple Ghost becomes a red-leaved showpiece in the garden in the fall.

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' is prized by Japanese Maple collectors for its genuinely unique seasonal colors. This easy-to-grow Japanese Maple does best in the full sun to the partial sun, bringing out the most vibrant colors.

Purple Ghost Maple can reach heights of up to 15 feet and can grow up to 12 feet wide. This particular Japanese Maple is perfect for growing under power lines or in front of homes where a larger tree may hide the architectural aspects of the house. This small tree is commonly seen in courtyards or growing in large containers on patios or decks and will add a cooling purple color to sunny areas.

Its open branching structure allows this tree to create a filtered shade that allows some sunlight to reach the ground. This open habit also allows shrubs or perennials to grow under the tree successfully. We call this under-planting, and shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Mountain Laurels will thrive in almost perfect conditions. Perennials such as Hellebores, heuchera, hosta, and ferns love to be planted under Japanese Maples and make great companion plants.

The root system of Japanese Maples tends to grow close to the soil surface, so the tree welcomes the protection provided by smaller shrubs underplanted beneath it. Underplanting helps to keep the shallow root system cool and evenly moist.

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' grows best in hardiness zones 6 through 9, making it an excellent choice for most areas of the country except the upper midwest and the northern regions of the east coast, where winter temperatures typically fall below -10 for extended periods. Purple Ghost is more tolerable of high heat than other varieties but will not tolerate extremely dry soils for extended periods. If you live in an area susceptible to drought, we advise watering the tree periodically (weekly) during those periods.

Japanese Maples purchased in smaller containers such as 1 Gallon pots are also sought out by bonsai growers. The smaller, less-developed root system quickly transitions to shallow bonsai pots with little stress to the tree. The Purple Ghost is no exception and makes a colorful and exciting deciduous Bonsai specimen.

Japanese Maples such as Purple Ghost benefit from a spring application of slow-release fertilizer such as Espoma Tree -Tone. Compost is also beneficial when planting your tree, and we recommend good quality compost that can be sourced from your local garden center.


Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
Mature Height: 12 to 15 feet
Mature Width: 8 to 12 feet
Classification: Small tree
Sunlight: Full Sun to part shade
Habit: Deciduous
Foliage: Deep Purple Red foliage that turns brilliant Red in fall
Soil Condition: Any well drained soil
Water Require: Water well until established
Uses: Extremely attractive when used as a focal point or a specimen planting.
Growzone: 5-8 Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Hardiness Zone 5-8

Frequently Asked questions

When should I prune my Purple Ghost Japanese Maple?

Are Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Trees fast-growing?

Do Deer eat Purple Ghost Japanese Maple Trees?

What Plants grow well under Japanese Maple trees?


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