{"product_id":"purple-ghost-japaense-maple-acer-palmatum-purple-ghost","title":"Purple Ghost Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost')","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Garden with Stunning Purple-Red Foliage and Year-Round Color\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple Ghost Japanese Maple is a compact ornamental tree chosen for dramatic purple-red foliage, black reticulated veining, and reliable seasonal color in small gardens, courtyards, containers, and refined landscape designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rare-looking Japanese maple brings noticeable structure without overwhelming a space. In early spring, the leaves emerge with vivid purple and red tones, often with purple undertones and dark black-purple veins that create a stained-glass effect. Through summer, the foliage deepens into burgundy and wine-purple shades, then finishes the season with bright orange-red to crimson fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse Purple Ghost as a focal-point small tree near a patio, entry, window view, shaded courtyard, or Japanese-inspired garden. Its upright, slightly spreading shape gives the plant elegant presence, while its mature size keeps it practical for urban gardens and larger landscape compositions alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Purple Ghost Japanese Maple\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional seasonal color\u003c\/strong\u003e – Purple Ghost Japanese Maple opens in spring with purple-red leaves and black veining, darkens to burgundy in summer, and brings brighter orange-red, crimson, or garnet fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact garden-friendly size\u003c\/strong\u003e – It reaches 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide in 10 years, making this small tree ideal for courtyards, patios, smaller yards, and urban garden spaces, especially when contrasted with larger shade trees such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow Maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e – This ghost japanese maple performs well in USDA zone 5-9 when planted in the right light, soil, and water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive reticulated foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – The dark veins stay noticeable across the leaf surface, giving Purple Ghost a true collector-quality look unlike many solid purple Japanese maple varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible light exposure\u003c\/strong\u003e – Plant in full sun to partial shade for best color, with morning sun and afternoon shade preferred in hotter California inland or southern areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple Ghost has a moderate growth rate overall, so it develops steadily without becoming difficult to manage. Purple Ghost Japanese Maple grows 12-18 inches per year, giving you visible progress while still maintaining a refined, controlled shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes Purple Ghost Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Japanese maples offer attractive leaf color for part of the year, but many rely on a single red, green, or purple tone. \u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum Purple Ghost\u003c\/strong\u003e is different because the leaf itself carries contrast: purple-red surfaces are overlaid with dark purple to black veining that remains visible as the foliage changes through the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurple Ghost\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReticulated black veining\u003c\/strong\u003e – The leaf pattern creates a bold ghost-like network across each leaf, giving the tree depth, texture, and interest from close-up photos to distance views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector pedigree\u003c\/strong\u003e – Purple Ghost is part of the popular Ghost Series developed by Talon Buchholz of Buchholz Nursery and was introduced as a standout cultivar with dramatic purple foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeason-long visual value\u003c\/strong\u003e – In the right spot, the spring color, summer burgundy tones, and fall display create a longer-lasting show than many Japanese maple selections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is popular in the Ghost Series because it balances rare visual character with practical garden performance. Compared with lighter Ghost Series cultivars, this purple ghost japanese selection has a darker, more dramatic base color that pairs beautifully with evergreen structure, green groundcovers, azaleas, peonies, hostas, and other shade-friendly plants, making it a natural choice if you’re using Yardwork as your \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eplant nursery near me\u003c\/a\u003e to design a cohesive garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Purple Ghost In Your Landscape\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose the right planting spot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSelect a location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and balanced light. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best color, but in hot zones, give Purple Ghost morning sun with afternoon shade to protect the foliage from heat, dry wind, and leaf scorch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant with care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDig a wide planting hole, keep the root flare at the proper level, and backfill with native soil improved with organic matter if needed. Water deeply after arrival and avoid planting where soggy ground can damage the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport strong establishment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater weekly for the first season after planting. Container-grown plants may need more frequent water in summer, especially if the potting mix dries quickly in sun or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy the seasonal show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatch early spring leaves open purple-red with black veining, enjoy darker burgundy foliage through summer, and look forward to brighter orange-red fall color as temperatures cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtect the tree long term\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMulch in fall to protect roots from cold, keeping mulch away from the trunk. Once established, light late-winter pruning can refine the upright shape and remove crossing branches without disturbing the natural structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are hoping to create a focal point that feels elegant rather than oversized, Purple Ghost can bring color, shape, and year-round interest to the garden with minimal maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acer palmatum ‘Purple Ghost’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple Ghost Japanese Maple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deciduous ornamental Japanese maple tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, somewhat spreading, open branching structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e It reaches 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide in 10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Width Detail:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree can grow 4-6 feet wide at maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight Expectation:\u003c\/strong\u003e It reaches 10 feet tall in about 10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Purple Ghost' grows 12-18 inches per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate Detail:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple Ghost Japanese Maple grows 12-18 inches per year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple Ghost has a moderate growth rate overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA zones 5-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is recommended in hot inland California gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Purple-red spring leaves with black veining, burgundy summer color, and orange-red to crimson fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water weekly for the first season after planting, then maintain even moisture once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch in fall to protect roots from cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specimen tree, container feature, courtyard accent, entry planting, mixed border, or Japanese-inspired garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Limited quantities of Purple Ghost are available for purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYardwork Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available sizes and container options may vary by season; check the product page or your Yardwork account for current inventory before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause pricing and size can vary widely by seller, plant age, container size, and season, review the current Yardwork listing for the exact tree offered. Larger, well-grown container specimens or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/trees\"\u003emature trees for sale\u003c\/a\u003e usually provide faster landscape impact than small starter plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For These Garden Situations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners with small to medium-sized yards\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a focal point tree with strong color but manageable size and may also consider classic red forms like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/emperor-one-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-emperor-one\"\u003eEmperor One Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating Japanese-inspired gardens, shaded courtyards, refined entries, or layered mixed borders who may pair Purple Ghost with variegated choices like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/butterfly-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-butterfly\"\u003eButterfly Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollectors of rare Japanese maple varieties\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for a true Ghost Series cultivar with purple foliage and black veining, or comparing it with other options such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/bloodgood-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-bloodgood\"\u003eBloodgood Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners in challenging climates\u003c\/strong\u003e who want four-season interest and are willing to place the tree in the right light and soil conditions, sometimes choosing complementary maples like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/osakazuki-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-osakazuki\"\u003eOsakazuki Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e for reliable crimson fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a dramatic patio or deck plant and can provide consistent water during heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurple Ghost is especially effective when placed where the eye can appreciate the leaf detail: beside a walkway, near a seating area, outside a window, or against a green evergreen backdrop. It also works beautifully with azaleas, peonies, hostas, woodland bulbs, and chartreuse foliage as part of thoughtfully selected \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/landscape-trees\"\u003elandscape trees for sale\u003c\/a\u003e that make the purple leaves appear brighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor California gardens, the best spot is often morning sun with afternoon shade. Coastal gardens may allow more sun, while inland gardens should protect the tree from harsh afternoon heat and drying wind, often combining specimen maples with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003eprivacy trees and evergreen screens\u003c\/a\u003e or larger maples like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/october-glory%C2%AE-red-maple-acer-rubrum-october-glory\"\u003eOctober Glory maple\u003c\/a\u003e for structure and shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much care does Purple Ghost Japanese Maple need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePurple Ghost needs consistent water during establishment, well-draining slightly acidic soil, and protection from extreme afternoon sun in hot climates. Water weekly for the first season after planting, then adjust based on weather, soil moisture, and container or in-ground planting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should I plant Purple Ghost in California?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant it where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter inland or southern California zones. In cooler coastal areas, more sun may improve color, but the tree still benefits from even moisture and shelter from dry wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Purple Ghost grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Purple Ghost' grows 12-18 inches per year. Purple Ghost Japanese Maple grows 12-18 inches per year and has a moderate growth rate overall, reaching about 10 feet tall in 10 years under good conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large does this tree get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt reaches 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide in 10 years. The tree can grow 4-6 feet wide at maturity, making it a practical small tree for gardens, patios, and compact landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is Purple Ghost different from other Ghost Series maples?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is popular in the Ghost Series because its darker purple foliage and black vein contrast create a more dramatic look than lighter cultivars such as Amber Ghost or Sister Ghost. It is a strong choice if you love bold purple color and visible reticulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow Purple Ghost in a container?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Purple Ghost can be grown in a container if you use a quality potting mix, provide excellent drainage, water consistently, and protect the pot from extreme summer heat. Container trees dry faster than trees planted in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I see pests or leaf stress?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost issues come from heat, dry soil, poor drainage, or harsh sun exposure. If pests appear, neem oil may be used carefully according to the product label, but correcting water, shade, and airflow is often the first step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I see photos before I purchase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailability changes by season, but you can review photos on the product page when available or contact Yardwork to hear more about current size, shape, color, and arrival condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you guarantee delivery?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYardwork focuses on careful plant handling, secure ordering, and customer satisfaction. Delivery options, guarantee details, and purchase policies are shown on the current product page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Purple Ghost to Your Garden?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the \u003cstrong\u003ePurple Ghost Japanese Maple\u003c\/strong\u003e and enjoy purple spring foliage, dark reticulated veining, burgundy summer color, and brilliant fall color in one elegant small tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork can help you choose the right size, confirm the best planting spot, and plan for long-term success with consultation and soil testing options. For California customers, free shipping is available on most orders over $600, making it easier to bring home a specimen-quality Japanese maple for your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":45193149808813,"sku":null,"price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Aceratropurpureum.jpg?v=1762721023","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-ghost-japaense-maple-acer-palmatum-purple-ghost","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}