First Ghost Japanese Maple

Certainly one of the most spectacular of small trees, the First Ghost Japanese Maple is one of a small, special group called ‘reticulate’ maples. The skeleton of veins in the leaf create its ghostly look, green against the spooky white coloring of the leaf itself. Deeply divided, with jagged edges along the narrow lobes, the leaves are highlighted by purple-red edges, varying in their thickness and intensity to create infinite variations on a theme. It develops into an upright tree with a pendulous form, growing to 10 to 15 feet tall and wide in time, so give it room when planting. During summer the leaves become a little greener, and the contrasting veins a darker green, until in fall it explodes into gorgeous shades of warm yellows and oranges. A unique tree for a special place in your garden, and ideal if you are looking for an Asian-theme. It is also wonderful as a potted tree, and would make a remarkable bonsai specimen.

• Striking, ghostly spring leaves of white, with green veins and red edges
• Upright tree with pendulous branches, to 12 feet tall and wide
• Striking fall colors of warm yellows and bold oranges
• Unique specimen tree for that special place in your garden
• Perfect for pots, planter boxes and growing as a bonsai

Choose a spot for your First Ghost Japanese Maple that has some morning sun but is shaded in the afternoon. This is important, because too much sun will turn the leaves greener. Plant in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic materials and preferably neutral to acidic. Mulch with rich compost and water regularly, especially when newly-planted, but later during summer, to protect from leaf burn. This isn’t a drought tolerant tree. When grown in suitable conditions it is normally free of pests or diseases. Easily pruned to develop the shape and form you want, thinning out interior branches to give it a more mature look, for example. Ideal for a pot, which could be left outdoors all winter from zone 7, or buried in the garden in zones 5 and 6. Not suitable for indoor growing, as it must have an extended period of low temperatures through winter.