Acer palmatum 'Amber Ghost' Japanese Maple

'Amber Ghost' is a reticulated variegated Japanese maple distinguished by its dramatic seasonal foliage progression and distinctive "ghost-like" venation. Spring leaves emerge in soft apricot-amber tones with contrasting green veins; by midsummer the foliage transitions to amber with deeper green reticulation, creating an ethereal, vein-traced appearance that gives the cultivar its name. Fall color ranges from orange to red. The plant develops a multi-stemmed, upright to rounded habit, reaching approximately 8-10 feet tall and wide within ten years, making it one of the faster-growing and larger members of the ghost series. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Amber Ghost' was introduced by Talon Buckholtz and is among the most popular cultivars in the ghost series. The plant tolerates moderate sun but holds its spring and variegated colors longer into summer with afternoon shade protection; it performs well in zones 5-9, though zone 9 plantings benefit from additional shade in high-heat areas. Excellent companion plantings include 'Purple Ghost' and white-variegated cultivars such as 'First Ghost' or 'Grandma Ghost', which provide striking color contrast in the garden.