Purple Ghost Japanese Maple.
A few years ago I went absolute crazy buying small Japanese maples. I bought thousands of them! We planted them in beds, in rows, we planted them everywhere. Today I only have one bed left in the ground and it has some of the most amazing Japanese maples you can imagine. I knew that I had purchased ‘Purple Ghost’ but I thought I might have lost them all the winter it went down to 22 degrees below zero.
Not the case! This spring these things jumped out at me and pretty much stopped me in my tracks. What an amazing and beautiful Japanese maple!
Acer palmatum, ‘Purple Ghost’ planted in a bed of other Japanese maples.
You can see that I only have a few of these with other varieties on either side of them. I’ll dig them this fall or early next spring, but chances are they’ll never leave my nursery, I’ll just put them in one of the many plantings that we have around the nursery. Some things I just can’t bring myself to part with.
‘Purple Ghost Japanese maple at Mike’s Plant Farm in Perry, Ohio.
Acer palmatum, ‘Purple Ghost is hardy in zones 5 through 8. Mine are growing pretty much in full sun but they would appreciate a few hours of shade at some point in the day. Like all Japanese maples they do not like wet feet, do not plant them in a wet area, do not plant them too deep and do not fertilize them. I never fertilize the plants that I have in my landscaping. Never. I just don’t do it and they thrive.
All of that crap that they sell at the big box stores and the garden center shelves in bottles and bags, you just don’t need it. I don’t spray my plants, I don’t treat them with anything, acid loving plants get treated like everything else. Blueberries? They get treated like everything else and they thrive. Be careful of what you read online! Most of it is wrong!
Yeah, I know. You’re reading this online.
But it is written by a guy that does things, lots and lots of things, hundreds of thousands of plants later and 45 years of crawling around in the dirt I’ve learned a few things.
Propagating ‘Purple Ghost’ Japanese maple is not easy. Cuttings are unlikely to root, and even if they do the roots will probably never support the tree for very long. Japanese maples are grafted onto Japanese maple seedlings.
See this about Growing Japanese Maples from Seed.
See this about Grafting Japanese Maples.
Grafting is by far the accepted method of producing them in the industry.
Where can you buy a ‘Purple Ghost Japanese Maple’?
Hmmmm. Good question. I know where you might be able to pick one up for $15.00 or less. But I can’t promise availability. After writing this article I’ll have people begging for them.
We have this member, several members actually, that offer some of the nicest, the most beautiful, and by far some of the most rare Japanese maples on the planet and they usually sell them for $20.00 or less. But this is a seasonal thing and they are usually offered in early in the year when they are dormant. Or late in the year. Usually between Thanksgiving and early April. Then it’s rare to find them unless you happen to live near on of our members that sells them. But these Rare Plants are Available in Our Members Area.
Questions, comments, mean things to say? Post them below and I will respond.
Hi Mike,
I’ve had several Japanese maples varieties over the last 20 years. Some in the ground and others in pots. We moved 5 years ago and I had to leave most behind. That meant I was able to start collecting again. The previous owners of the new property left a forlorn looking Bloodgood in a pot. I immediately found a place for it in the ground and today it is 5′ tall and has filled out beautifully.
I bought a Purple Ghost 2 yrs ago. Now all of a sudden this year it has grown 2 long red branches with large red leaves like a Bloodgood from the Ghost branches. This is no where near the root stock splice. Any ideas on what is going on? Should I allow the growth or prune them out? The color and leave contrast is rather interesting.
Chris
Chris,
I guess that’s up to you. If you think it’s interesting, leave them at least until spring. You might prune them to maintain the shape of the tree.
Hi Mike. I just bought my first Japanese maple trees. I got a coral bark and a purple ghost. I bought them online and the vendor said they are a year to 2 years old. They’re both only like 10 maybe 12 inch twigs in dirt. Is this normal. I’m 45 years old and have never had plants before. Anytime I’ve tried to keep live plants they die. The picture of these two trees really called to me at how unique and beautiful they were. I have a tiny little front yard that has grass and I want to bring some interest to it. Hence these colorful trees. I understand that I have to keep them in pots to keep them small. I have yet to buy the pots for them. What do I need to buy? What potting mix do I buy? Is there a one type of bag mix that I can buy with out having to be a chemistry major to figure out? I currently have miricule grow potted plants soil. Will that work? Or should I get the soil for succulents? I’m so confused! I just want to treat my trees well so they’ll survive and be happy. I live in Richmond CA. I think I’m in growing zone 8 or 9? Any and all tips to help me with these trees will be most appreciated. Thank you.
Carlotta,
Young Japanese maples are very small, so that’s probably the normal size. I’m not sure that potting them is the best way to care for them. I’d plant them in a flower bed where they water and some (50%) shade, then in a couple of years transplant them to permanent location. You can only transplant them when they are completely dormant, no leaves at at all. Fertilizer? I just planted about 200 in a bed, mulched them and they will get zero fertilizer.
Hi Mike, I just planted a purple ghost Japanese maple in full sun a week ago in zone 9. My water the tree every night and today the top leaves started to dry and curl. I don’t want it to die. Please share some tips to save the tree. It is about 2 feet tall. Thanks
Rodrigo,
Small Japanese maples like that really need some shade, especially in zone 9. You can rig up temp shade if you need to.
I grew a couple dozen different willows, and they grew very quickly. I was able to use them for portable shade for my baby maples. My yard provided absolutely no shade, so it was a great way to save my plants that needed shade. I could move them anywhere in the nursery where needed. When they got to big for that, I sold them to a man who wanted them for his pond to stop soil erosion. But I had smaller ones that were still big enough to provide shade.
Great idea Marie!
Hi Mike, good post, honesty goes a long way. Started growing maples from seed 3 years ago, by chance my neighbor’s Acer palmatum mountain maple chucked seed into my garden one autumn where a found myself with a doesen maples a didn’t expect come spring. This propted me to ask him if I could return in the autumn and collect some more, good guy said yes, I had 70 mountain maple from seed 2019. I’ve done more last autumn and this year I should have several hundred of the little beauties amongst other cultivar such as scolopendrifolium, rare if I did spell it right.
I am now blessed with numerous different cultivar as I now work in a landscape nursery which sells mature trees only. I would join your community bit I live in GB so not much point, nice to see your back yard nursery is working out though, I’m striving to do the same here within 2 to 3 years it should be paying for my efforts
Simon,
Great story and the best of luck with your venture. Keep me posted to your progress.
What a way to start the New Year. The Purple Ghost is a spectacular addition to anyone’s yard.
Good luck to all the entries.
Thank you mike and All the members who give so much helpful insight! Lisa Coleman, AR
Warning – I may live here, on your site, for the next year. Dilemma –
I purchased a home last summer with beautiful landscaping, however the landscaper that worked on it is nowhere to be found. There are other issues- but I will post pics
May I send in photos for comments/suggestions? I have a lofty idea that one day I might have a ‘Most Beatiful Yard’ sign in our Yard! I’ve got big plans, to work hard and follow instructions,
I respectfully (REALLY REALLY REALLY HOPE) that some members may find joy in sharing expertise and ideas??My gardening/ landscape project will take place in Little Rock, AR.
Lisa,
I don’t see incoming Email, all of that is handled by Duston. The only way to share photos is in our members area. http://backyardgrowers.com/join That’s really where I spent most of my time and simply can’t review photos here. Thanks for understanding.
Is this the second ghost or still comments being taken on the first ghost.?
MIKE,
YOU HAVE THE BEST INFORMATION ABOUT GARDENING. I HAVE BECAME A BETTER GARDENER MYSELF.. DON’T STOP WHAT YOU DO.. KEEP IT COMING.
-22! Now I’m wondering if they would grow in my garden where sometimes it gets to -26 with a -40 windchill. I know that I can knock off the wind chill by doing a straw bale barrier, but those other degrees ; my, my, my.
Mike, THANKS for all the great info you send to my inbox. Without you I’d have never had the courage to grow orange and lemon trees by seed inside my home. They are now 7 years old. I’ve not been the grand recipient of fruit, but the smell of the leaves and the twigs in the BBQ fire are reward enough.
I just have to say this…you are my go to guy when it has anything to do with the earth and God:s gifts of plants and trees you name it. Thnx for all the useful spectacular info. From one plant gardener to another. Kathy Tridente
Hello Mike,
I have Japanese Maple Crimson tree. 6′ high 12′ diameter.
This is second year that my tree is not reaching third color leaf- Burgundy.
The structure of the tree is amazing. I love it and I don’t want to lose it.
Today the tree is like bold head.
Please your help.
Sam,
I wouldn’t be concerned, it is what it is. If the tree lost it’s leaves early that could account for no fall color.
Thank you Mike
What is your opinion if i fertilizer it with Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer.
Sam,
You probably can with a moderate application. But keep in mind, I never fertilize the plants in my landscape and they do awesome.
Hello Mike,
Can I buy Purple ghost ACer Palmatum Japanese Maple tree you mentioned in upper article, from you now, and for price of $15.- as you mentioned?
I live I New Jersey and will probably keep it for the first winter on my basement window with plenty of light. It is very icey here in the winter for a young plant outside.
I like your articles and suggestions (They say that I have a green tumb). I
Please, send me an email, and if you can shipp it to me now, I will give you my address and way of paying for it. Sincerely, mara B.
Mara,
I have none for sale right now, just saw some advertised in our members area, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, recently.
Hello Dear Mark,
i put my Red maple seeds about 4 month in refrigerator. and last week i put it in warm place, please advise me what should i do to root my seeds.
i study all your information about red maple before.
Thanks for your website and your information
Sara,
Just leave the cuttings out where it’s warm and as they sprout pick them out and plant them in a flat of light potting soil that drains well. See this; http://japanesemaplelovers.com/growing-japanese-maples-from-seed/
Hi, Mike,
Do you have a video about pruning Japanese maples? I have one that’s been in the ground for about 6 years and is getting scrawny. Any help appreciated!
Thanks,
Nancy IAK
PS Pruning is my favorite gardening ‘chore’ because it makes the biggest difference in growth and pr0spering
Nancy,
Here’s one https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2011/04/pruning-japanese-maple-trees/
Mike, am I right that, for now at least, membership opportunities are discontinued? If so, can I still purchase the misting system? I can’t stop reading the site, so informative. Sure hope I can join soon! Thanks for all you do.
Coby,
That is correct, membership, http://backyardgrowers.com/join is closed at the moment. I’ll get with Duston and we’ll figure out the date for the next time it will be open and put it on that page. You can get a propagation system now, https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/mikes-plant-propagation-kit/, as long as we still have them. Getting low.
I just ran across your videos on youtube (started by searching on how to air layer roses) and have spent the last hour watching. My favorite so far is the nursery spade demo with the donkeys- what characters! I am the exact person you mentioned- out there digging with my garden shovel. But tomorrow I will be buying a NURSERY SPADE and a action hoe for good measure. I wish I’d seen these videos 5 years ago. thanks- I appreciate your videos & you seem like someone I would love to live next door to. Thanks for sharing your advice- bless you!!
Sincerely,
Michelle in Portland, OR
Michelle,
You are welcome and welcome to move in next door anytime you like!
Hi Mike
I read every letter I get from you, and also every video, love them very much.
I’m in Alberta Canada, and have been propagating cuttings for last 6 years. mainly Emerald green, and giant Woodwardii. like you I love to just see things grow. I too would like to get my hands on some Japanese Maples, have always liked the looks of them and one day will get some, or the seed.
but I have a question. you ever come across “Dog vomit Mold” , its not dangerous, but really unique
should do an article on it, people would love it.
keep up with the fine articles, and keep happy gardening,
John,
You’re right, I probably need to do that article. I have an article about shotgun fungus out there somewhere.
Mike,
I would like to say something about you. I am a Retired Police Officer and over the years can read people like a “BOOK”!
I realize that you are making a small living off of all of the gardening sales you make BUT your Emails tell me that you are HEART and SOLE into gardening. You give people free advice that other people in your business would charge for. People in this country should pay attention to your advice in detail!
Keep on following your Heart Mike and enjoy your life.
Thank you Bill, I appreciate that and you’re right. If I didn’t love what I do I just couldn’t do it.
I am 82 years old and have both COPD and Heart failure. Over the last 20 years I have worked most of my time cleaning up an old Cemetery and with the help of a woman in the last two years, we finally got it cleaned up..
It was a JUNGLE that a person could not even walk thru when I first started. Now I would like to plant a few small Japanese Maples in this 200+ year old Cemetery before I died.
If you would like I’ll send you a picture of this cemetery.
Something I found out about this old cemetery is it has what is called Marching Daffodils . They are like a table onion that spreads by it’s roots.. I have never heard of them before .. I have planted each year about 60+ or more (About 2,000 Reg. Daffodil, my self so there are I WOUL;D GUESS ABOUT 1,0,000 daffodils growing each year now.
I would like to purchaser some low cost small JAPANESE MAPLES TO PLANT IN THIS Very OLD Cemetery.
So if you could give me a price per small tree I would gladly Send you a Check or my Credit Card numbers to pay you… Thank you very much
Bill Morris
My woman friend who helps me clean up this very, very old Cemetery is Gale Reynolds A MASTER GARDER here in NC
I don’t think right now that I have much longer,, so I would like to get this done as fast as we can!!
Bill,
I don’t think anybody can appreciate what you are trying to do more than me. I think it’s admirable and a wonderful idea. But I just don’t have anything that I can sell you right now. But, there are a couple of guys that are much closer than me and they are having an event at their place today! I know it’s too late for you to see this, but at the very least send them an email, tell them what you want to do and hopefully they can help you out. You can find them here and they are near you, or at least closer than me. http://mrmaple.com/
Bill, I very much appreciate what you and Gale are doing. I have spent many hours also cleaning up old cemeteries here in Bankhead National Forest and most specifically in Sipsey Wilderness. There are 200 year + sites here as well and they give us such a fascinating glimpse of history.
I agree that Mike is the “real thing”. I read every word he sends out and keep many blogs for my future reference.
Thank you and God bless you.
Alice
How big do Purple Ghost Japanese Maples grow? And where can I purchase them?
Chatles,
They are upright variety so they will reach 12′ or more if you let them but they can be easily kept to any size you like with one pruning per season.
Ok, I’m ready to purchase this purple ghost. How do i buy from you or your associates?
Did anyone find out where we can buy the purple ghost?
Diana, try mrmaple.com
Mike:
Thank you so much for all your beneficial comments. I live in Hawaii;
have a very small yard bur I love plants; and try to use every available
space.
Question: Is Dip n Grow same at Rootone?
Edith
Edith,
Pretty much, they all work the same. All are good.
Hi Mike,
I have a question regarding the misting of cuttings. My husband is not on board to set up a system. Without the automatic function, how much time and how often do we mist?
Also, I have noticed that some of your cutting beds are not covered. Is it necessary to cover the beds?
Thanks,
Nancy
Nancy, without mist you needs lots of shade and you’ll have to wet the cuttings throughout the day. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
I just came back home from a visit to Portland Oregon. Japanese Maples are everywhere. So are seedlings! I brought back 5 tiny seedlings. Really hoping they make it. Price……FREE
if you go back would you get me about 6? I just love them.thank you.
Hey Mike,
I get your emails all the time and I’ve learned a few things I didn’t know about properly propagating plants, etc. I grew up on a farm, both grandparents had farms where we learned many things about the animals, crops and gardening. We were self sufficient on our small 57 acre plot of land – Dad had a regular job in the city, but we also had a whole acre of garden.
I am self-employed with my own travel business, which I absolutely LOVE to do, but I still yearn for the day I can get back outside and create my own producing garden again!
Me, I’m down to one tomato plant in a pot right outside my carport! I only hope it produces the low acid tomatoes it’s claimed to make!
I’ve tried propagating a few of my plants and have been successful with a few of them, such as Cuban Oregano, which I grow inside and use in my cooking.
If I had more time, I’d love to join your ‘club’ and get back to the good ole days of growing and supporting my own food supply! When I was growing up on the farm, we were the healthiest we’d ever been. I want to get back to eating all natural again! It’s hard work, but pays off in the end!
Thank you for your interesting newsletters.
Best,
Elaine
You are welcome!
Hello Mike.
I bought a house a couple of years ago. The previous owners had planted one of these beautiful Japanese Maples right at the corner of the house. It is beginning to take over the spot where it is planted as well as the sidewalk and the flowerbed. It really is much too large for the space where it is planted. When is the best time to cut it back or should I do something else?
I enjoy your newsletter so much… very informative.
Elizabeth,
Ideally it might be better to move the tree, but you have to do that when the tree is completely dormant. After Thanksgiving and before it makes leaves in the spring. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/11/moving-a-large-laceleaf-weeping-japanese-maple-tree/ You can prune it at any time really. But heavy pruning should done when dormant.
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. We don’t have a place to plant another tree in our yard or we would certainly be trying to get one!
Mike, do you sell Japanese red maple young plants in any place in New Jersey and when, what time of the year??? I live in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Bergen county,
Thank you, Mara B.
Mara,
I don’t but we members that do; http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Mike, I have to admit that your “Purple Ghost” Japanese Maple is a phenomenon. I have been looking at the variations in these trees a bit more recently because I have a somewhat shady spot where a spot of some color would cheer up my day. I have a tiny specimen p Acer with dark red leaves, but your tree’s leaves have that intriguing slight shift in color from bright to slightly darker at the edges. It really catches the eye
1
Alas, your advice to avoid planting japanese maples in locations where they might have wet feet is making me reconsider my plans. A plum (now dying) has been growing near the spot I have in mind, and it has tolerated the mucky clay there admirably well up until recently, but I don’t know if I want to take a chance on a maple, I’ll be talking to a local nurseryman who know the varieties and our local soils more about this.
Thanks for sharing!
Don,
If you plant it in that area, raise the bed at least 10″.
WOW!!!!! SO BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT IT TOOK MY BREATH AWAY!!
Would love to purchase a Purple Ghost….where?
Let me know if I can buy one? or two? Peace, Wayne
Try Matt and Tim at https://www.mrmaple.com/
Would love to purchase a Purple Ghost…any contact info available? Peace, Wayne
that is the most beautiful Japanese Maple I’ve ever seen, Mike. I love Japanese Maples I have six of them, myself, but not Purple Ghosts. Mine are all planted in half wine barrels in good ole potting soil, and has done very well through all the years I’ve had them. But I do have a question for you, Mike. First of all, I live in Clearlake Calif. About 2 hrs. east of the north coastal area. While I was up in Northern Washington in April, I came across The most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen. Smelling it before I saw it. It’s called an”Andromeda Pieris Japonica. I looked it up and found it’s a type of Japanese Mable. Now, granted, the climate there where I found it, in La Connor Washington, is completely different then where I live, But I can’t understand why I can’t them hear, being a Japanese maple. What do you know about them. I really value your insight, and knowledge . I’ve learned a lot from you. Thank you, Linda
Linda, Andromeda Pieris Japonica is not in the Japanese maple family. Piers Japonica is an evergreen, broadleaf evergreen, similar to but different than Azaleas and Rhododendron. Not as popular as they once were but still being grown today. Look for Mountain Fire Piers Japonica, they are available.
thank you Mike. I feel completely stupid now. Now I understand why they do so well in that area of Washington,. I had read on line about it being in the Japanese maple family. Well, this is what I get. Thank you again, Linda
Hi Mike, the Purple Ghost jap maple is gorgeous! Going to get one asap. My question is I have a lg
amount of ash left over from burning hardwoods in my outdoor wood furnace. Can I use this in my
gardens? I’ve been told it may be good for tomato plants and evergreens. Is this true and will too much of it harm my plants. Any advise would be appreciated, thank you
Advice
Tom,
Ash is typically alkeline and should raise the ph of your soil. Small amounts are fine I’m sure but I don’t honestly believe that it has any magic in it. I’m a firm believer that the only thing that plants need is reasonable topsoil. I never amend soil when planting and I never fertilize or spray plants in my landscape. Most of the concoctions sold in the store are only there to benefit the manufactures and retailers.
Looking for small Japanese maples 3-8″ for moss and dish gardens, purple would be fantastic
Greg,
Check with the guys at Mrmaple.com Our members often offer them at really low prices but typically in the winter and early spring. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Ok Mike like always you got my attention with your wisdom, and another great video.. Which left me with a couple of questions. 1st of all what you said about nurseries,and what they tell you ,and sell you can; be very costly especially when what you bought doesn’t work are live. The one thing I bought that worked great a pesticide for snails. 2nd I have problems with my knockout,and double knockout Roses, with grey spots, black spots, little holes. I have a lot of stuff that is filled with chemicals that I don’t care for, but at the time, I purchased this product desperation had kicked in, and way before, I stumbled across one of your videos. Also could you please tell which video it was you showed a product that helped with rooting. You put a little on it before you stuck it in a pot. I know you are an exstreamly busy man, but I’m a patient man sometimes lol Thanks again Mike.. God bless
Ed,
Roses are the one exception to my rule of not using concoctions because roses are roses and they can be problematic. Bayer makes a 3-1 spray for roses that I think works well. Rooting cuttings? Rooting compounds are not magic but I use Dip n Grow on all of my cuttings just because it costs me almost nothing to use it. More here; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
Hi Mike
I would love to see the whole tree. I just bought 2 different Japanese Maples, a “Red Select” and a “Bloodgood.”
I don’t know much about growing them, but so far so good. I live in South Carolina northern part of the state.
Any helpful advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. I hope they flourish as well as yours have.
Linda,
Growing Japanese maples is easy. Do not plant them too deep, do not plant them in a wet area and by all means do not fertilize them.
Membership is closed. How can I buy Purple Ghost Maple?
John,
Not sure when membership will open again, probably 40 to 60 days. http://backyardgrowers.com/join Try Mrmaple.com
Thanks so much.