A collector-worthy Japanese maple with smoky purple foliage and dark veining that looks hand-painted leaf by leaf
FEATURES:
- Unique purple to burgundy foliage with dramatic dark veining
- Spring color is especially vivid and ornamental
- Graceful branching adds structure and winter interest
- Ideal focal tree for patios, entryways, and garden beds
- Performs best with morning sun and afternoon protection in warmer climates
- Low maintenance with an artistic, refined habit
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree; does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
To keep the foliage looking its best, give Purple Ghost morning sun and some afternoon protection in warmer regions. Plant in well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture, especially in summer. Mulch helps keep the root zone cool, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and highlight the natural structure. Pair Purple Ghost with simple shapes and calm textures, because when a tree looks this artistic, the best design move is to let it be the masterpiece.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 8-12' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Sun
- Spacing: 8-12' apart
Purple Ghost Japanese Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer palmatum ‘Purple Ghost’
Regular priceSave 25% on All Tree Collections with code: SPRINGBEST25 at checkout.
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A collector-worthy Japanese maple with smoky purple foliage and dark veining that looks hand-painted leaf by leaf
FEATURES:
- Unique purple to burgundy foliage with dramatic dark veining
- Spring color is especially vivid and ornamental
- Graceful branching adds structure and winter interest
- Ideal focal tree for patios, entryways, and garden beds
- Performs best with morning sun and afternoon protection in warmer climates
- Low maintenance with an artistic, refined habit
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree; does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
To keep the foliage looking its best, give Purple Ghost morning sun and some afternoon protection in warmer regions. Plant in well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture, especially in summer. Mulch helps keep the root zone cool, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and highlight the natural structure. Pair Purple Ghost with simple shapes and calm textures, because when a tree looks this artistic, the best design move is to let it be the masterpiece.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 8-12' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Sun
- Spacing: 8-12' apart
Why plant Purple Ghost Japanese Maple?
Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is a true garden original. Each leaf carries a smoky purple base with deep, inky veining that creates a stained-glass effect in the canopy. In spring, the color is especially striking, with layered tones that feel bold, rare, and impossibly detailed. As the season progresses, the foliage often shifts into deeper burgundy and plum hues, then finishes with a rich fall display that can include red, violet, and warm undertones depending on weather and light. Purple Ghost brings a curated, collector feel to the landscape while still being approachable and easy to love. It is the kind of tree that makes a garden feel intentional.
How to use Purple Ghost Japanese Maple in the landscape?
Plant Purple Ghost where you can enjoy its leaf detail up close, such as near a patio, along a garden path, or beside an entryway. It shines as a specimen in a mixed shrub border and pairs beautifully with dark evergreens, chartreuse foliage, and simple groundcovers that keep the focus on the canopy. Use it to add contrast in a woodland garden, or place it against stone, brick, or a neutral backdrop where the purple tones can really pop. This is a tree that rewards thoughtful placement, especially where it can catch soft light and show off its color shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purple Ghost has purple to burgundy foliage with dramatic dark veining. Spring color is often the most vivid, then it deepens through summer and can finish with rich fall tones.
In warmer climates, it benefits from morning sun and afternoon shade to help prevent leaf scorch and preserve the best color. In cooler regions, it can handle more sun with consistent moisture.
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Keep pruning light and selective to preserve the natural shape, focusing on removing crossing or inward-growing branches.
