First ghost

Character & interest

This cultivar is a benchmark among the “ghost” maples for its exceptionally bright spring display and its highly graphic look (very pronounced venation). It generally keeps its interest longer than many other reticulated cultivars: the leaf pattern often remains readable later into the season, even though summer becomes more discreet.

Colours

• Spring : creamy white / pale yellow, dark green veins, pink to purplish-red margin.

• Summer : reticulation may soften; foliage turns greener (often “light green with darker veins”).

• Autumn : golden yellow to orange, sometimes warmer depending on conditions.

Habit & vigour

Semi-weeping (flexible) habit, often more upright when young, then as wide as tall with age. Moderate vigour.

Indicative size

Around 3–3.5 m over roughly 15 years, with a similar spread (variable with training and conditions).

Exposure

To keep the foliage pale and limit summer marking: gentle sun (morning) with light shade in the afternoon. In hot situations, a more shaded exposure is preferable.

Origin & history

‘First Ghost’ is part of the “Ghost” series introduced by Buchholz Nursery (Talon Buchholz, Oregon, USA). It is a mutation (sport) of the cultivar ‘Beni shigitatsu sawa’.