Acer palmatum 'Baby Ghost' Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Baby Ghost' is a compact and distinctive ghost-type Japanese maple prized for its luminous foliage and strong seasonal color. The leaves emerge in shades of pink, orange, and yellow before developing into creamy yellow-green foliage marked by a network of darker green veins. As the season progresses, the foliage often takes on deeper green and golden tones while retaining its characteristic reticulated pattern. In autumn, ‘Baby Ghost’ can develop striking shades of orange and red, providing a brilliant finish to the growing season. With an expected mature size of approximately 4–6 ft tall and wide, it is an excellent choice for collectors and smaller gardens where a refined, slow-growing Japanese maple is desired.

Growth Habit: Upright, compact, and gracefully branching
10-Year Size: Approximately 3–5 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Foliage: Reticulated ghost-type foliage with creamy yellow-green coloration and contrasting green veins; new growth may emerge with pink, orange, and yellow tones
Fall Color: Brilliant orange to red, often with golden tones
Origin: Selected cultivar of Acer palmatum known for its compact habit and reticulated ghost-type foliage
Light: Morning sun to partial shade; protection from hot afternoon sun is recommended, particularly in warmer climates, to help preserve the delicate foliage
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Hardiness: Zones 5–9
Best Uses: Collector gardens, Japanese gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, containers, specimen plantings, and small-space landscapes
Best Feature: Compact size combined with luminous reticulated foliage and contrasting green veining
Garden Interest: Provides multi-season foliage interest, with colorful spring emergence, patterned summer foliage, and vivid orange-red fall color
Why You'll Love It: ‘Baby Ghost’ is a refined and highly collectible Japanese maple that combines a compact garden-friendly habit with luminous reticulated foliage, colorful new growth, and vivid autumn color, making it an excellent choice for adding year-round character to smaller landscapes.