Purple ghost
A Japanese maple with reticulated foliage (very dark veins) and lavender to purple spring tones, sometimes redder in brighter light. The venation remains readable all summer, even as the foliage shifts toward burgundy and then greener tones. Late in the season, colour often turns orange-red.
Character & interest
‘Purple Ghost’ belongs to the “ghost/reticulated” group: the leaf blade stays relatively light (lavender, purple, sometimes pinkish), while the veins stand out strongly, creating a very graphic look. The effect is especially striking in spring, but the venation remains interesting throughout the season.
Colours
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Spring : red to purple / lavender depending on exposure, with very dark veins.
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Summer : burgundy, then sometimes greener with purplish nuances; venation stays visible.
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Autumn : generally orange-red to red-orange.
Habit & vigour
Upright habit, dense branching. Moderate vigour.
Indicative size
Commonly given guideline: 2.5–3 m tall with a 1.2–1.8 m spread at around 10 years (variable with conditions and training).
Exposure
Contrast and colours express well in gentle light / bright partial shade. Very hot exposure (scorching full sun) can mark the foliage; conversely, too much shade reduces the contrast.
Origin & history
‘Purple Ghost’ is an introduction from Buchholz Nursery (Oregon, USA), attributed to Talon Buchholz, within the so-called “Ghost” series.
| Groupe MS | 14. Reticulatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Pourpre réticulé |
| Couleur Été | Pourpre sombre |
| Couleur Automne | Orange / Rouge |
| Exposure | Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
