Ghost Japanese Maples

What's in a name? Everything, the name says it all, well almost. Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’ starts with rosy peach color washed over creamy white foliage. Then, add in the green veining and you have a total show stopper in the garden. In summer, the peach fades leaving a nice white reticulated leaf that holds well in all but the hottest climates. Fall color is a pastel yellow to orange and very nice. This splendid cultivar was discovered as a seedling in 1980 at Yamina Rare Plants in Australia 10 Year Size:  Height: 5-7 Feet   Width: 4-6 Feet Spring Color: Pink and White Summer Color: Green and White Fall Color: Orange Sun Tolerance: Full Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Mikazuki’ is an outstanding Japanese maple with reticulated variegation. ‘Mikazuki’ emerges in spring with bright pink color that is rivaled by only a few Japanese maples. ‘Mikazuki’ has very thin leaves and jagged edges that are very reminiscent of many of the “ghost” varieties. The leaves of ‘Mikazuki’ turn green in the summer while maintaining that reticulated variegation and prominent veining. By fall, these leaves then change to a yellow color which is always interesting on a predominantly red tree. Protect ‘Mikazuki’ from the hot afternoon sun for best color. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' is One of the Most Popular Reticulated Japanese Maples with Dark Red Color Acer palmatum ‘Purple Ghost’ is an awesome reticulated Japanese maple with dark red color. Foliage appears bright red to deep purple in early spring depending on sunlight, in more shady locations the foliage appears more lavender. Regardless of location what makes this leaf special is the prominent black veins. In summer the color turns to burgundy and eventually green with purple undertones. The distinctive veining remains on the leaf throughout the summer regardless of color change. Fall color varies from deep red to reddish orange. 'Purple Ghost' is a strong growing, hardy tree that can be grown in most climates across the United States. It should grow well in zones 5 through 9 and can handle full sun in all but the hottest climates. In warmer areas 'Purple Ghost' should be planted in partial sun for best results. 'Purple Ghost' is an upright growing Japanese maple with thick, sturdy branches. 'Purple Ghost' only grows to be about 10 feet tall and has an open habit at the canopy. 'Purple Ghost' has a moderate growth rate and will reach 10 feet tall in about 10 years. What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Reticulated Red What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Reticulated Burgundy What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Bright Reddish Orange What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Reticulated Ghost Shaped Broad Leaf What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Partial Sun What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Purple ghost'? Zones 5-9 What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Upright Japanese Maple What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'? Moderate Growing Upright Japanese Maple How should Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' be planted? Elevated in Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Celebration’ is a Japanese maple with reticulated variegation. ‘Celebration’ may have the brightest pink color of any of the reticulated varieties. The bright pink leaves are contrasted by dark red veins. ‘Celebration’ will fade somewhat in the summer to a greenish color, but the reticulation still holds strong. There is often also a second push of new growth in the summer that displays the wonderful spring colors yet again on top of the more mature summer foliage. Fall color is red. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Ghost Dancer' emerges almost solid white with red tips in early spring then the green veins develop spreading through the leaf giving it color. By summer it is almost totally green. Fall color is a nice mix of yellow and red.  While the name and the reticulated foliage both link this to the others in the ghost series, this is not a Buchholz introduction. 10 year size:   Height: 7-9 Feet   Width: 5-7 Feet Spring color: White and Yellow Summer Color: Green and White Fall Color: Yellow Sun Tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ is a lovely reticulated Japanese maple. ‘Ariadne’ emerges in spring with light pink and peach colored leaves with dark green veins. This reticulated variegation begins to fade in the summer becoming a pale burgundy through the hotter months. The leaves of ‘Ariadne’ show out again in the fall with bright red foliage that really stands out. ‘Ariadne’ is another excellent example of a Japanese maple with reticulated variegation that will bring excellent color to any landscape.10 Year Size: Height: 5-7 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Another of the ghost series from Talon Buchholz, this is a fine example of  a reticulated leaf form. 'Grandma's Ghost' requires afternoon shade in most climates  and mostly shade in hotter areas. Generally as wide or wider than tall, 'Grandma's Ghost' boasts outstanding spring color that is predominately creamy white or yellow with dark veins. Fall color is bright orange to red. This maple displays variability depending on growing conditions. No matter the result this is a great tree for garden enthusiasts and collectors alike. 10 year size:   Height: 4-6 Feet   Width: 4-6 FeetSpring Color: Creamy WhiteSummer Color: GreenFall Color: OrangeSun Tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' is a striking new reticulated Japanese maple cultivar discovered as a seedling of Amber Ghost by breeder Talon Buchholz. It dazzles with rosy pink spring foliage heavily etched with deep green veins, gradually transforming through summer to creamy green and finally showcasing vibrant oranges and reds in the fall. Fresh leaves emerge in spring a bright strawberry‑pink with dramatic dark green veining. 'Strawberry Spring' is considered among the prettiest spring displays of any maple. In the summer the pink fades to creamy white or light green, while new growth may retain pink highlights against green veins. Finally, foliage turns to warm orange-red with rusty tones in the fall. With so many color changes 'Strawberry Spring' offers a season‑long spectacle. 'Strawberry Spring' is an upright, moderately compact tree, expected to reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide within 10 years. 'Strawberry Spring' is perfect as a focal specimen. It is dramatic in spring and great for containers or small garden areas. 'Strawberry Spring' should grow well in USDA Zones 5–9, and is suitable for a wide range of climates. This beautiful tree prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially important in warmer areas to avoid sunburn and preserve the intense pink spring hues. Like most Japanese maples 'Strawberry Spring' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Regular and consistent watering a couple times per week is needed, especially during dry spells and when the tree is young, to support health and variegation retention. Maintenance for 'Strawberry Spring' is minimal. Prune to remove dead or crossing branches for structural integrity, but avoid heavy pruning to retain the natural upright form. Due to its compact habit, it's an excellent choice for container gardening, especially in climates where winter minimal protection or controlled conditions are beneficial. Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring’ emerged naturally as a chance seedling from Amber Ghost, another popular reticulated cultivar, originally found by Talon Buchholz. 'Strawberry Spring' is often likened to other cultivars like Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry. While similar, Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry shows cream-veined leaves with deeper red undersides and more dramatic variegation by midsummer. ‘Strawberry Spring’ leans more consistently toward pink spring tones and retains a finer contrast with its green veins. In hot climates, provide light shade during peak afternoon to preserve variegation and prevent leaf scorch. Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced slow‑release fertilizer such as Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer to boost new growth. Use mulch-based moisture retention techniques to maintain root conditions. Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' brings a show-stopping color display from spring through autumn—its bold reticulated pattern and seasonal transitions make it a prized choice among collectors and garden designers. It’s becoming one of the most-loved reticulated varieties. Just plant smartly, protect from harsh sun, and enjoy its colorful journey through the seasons. 10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Sister Ghost' emerges yellow with dark veins in early spring. Sometimes in early spring leaves have a slight pink cast. By summer foliage is mostly green with a few specks of yellow to let you know this plant was variegated. Fall color is orange with hints of yellow and red. Generally growing wider than tall this small tree does best in partial shade in all but the coolest areas. Introduced by Talon Buchholz as part of the ghost series. 10 year size:   Height: 5-6 Feet   Width: 6-8 Feet Spring Color: White and Green Summer Color: Green and White Fall Color: Orange Sun Tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum 'Spring Blast' has some of the most dramatically bright spring color of any Japanese maple ever in existence. 'Spring Blast' is aptly named due to the blast of color that this Japanese maple exhibits in the spring. 'Spring Blast' emerges in the spring with shining white leaves with green veins and bright hot pink edges around each leaf. This pink edging is think and covers a large portion of the leaf. 'Spring Blast' has reticulated variegation with the green veining and yellowish white base color to the leaves. As the season progresses the pink edging does fade and makes way for the reticulated variegation to take center stage. 'Spring Blast' has jagged edges that are very similar to the majority of the "ghost" varieties. The reticulated variegation remains even throughout the hot summer. During the summer the colors are mostly white leaves with green veining. Fall color is an attractive orange color.  10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet   Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum ‘Phantom Flame’ is a rare and unusual Japanese maple with a unique combination of “ghost” and “red finger nails“. ‘Phantom flame’ has bright white foliage in the spring with green veining. These bright leaves look as though they have been dipped in red paint. The bright, reticulated foliage remains even through the summer. Fall color is orange. 10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet