Acer palmatum 'Martha's Ghost' (Martha's Ghost Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Martha Ghost’ is a rare and distinctive reticulated Japanese maple from the Ghost Series, prized for its ethereal foliage and intricate veining. Introduced by Talon Buchholz, this exceptional cultivar emerges in spring with a soft light orange to pale green base highlighted by deep green to purplish veins, creating a striking netted or ghost-like effect. As the season progresses, the foliage develops softer green tones while retaining its delicate reticulated pattern. In autumn, ‘Martha Ghost’ puts on a spectacular display of orange, red, and pink, adding another layer of seasonal interest. This slow-growing cultivar typically reaches approximately 6–10 ft tall over time, making it an excellent choice for collectors seeking a rare and highly ornamental Japanese maple Growth Habit: Upright and gracefully branching, developing into a refined small tree 10-Year Size: Approximately 6–8 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide Growth Rate: Slow Foliage: Creamy white to pale green reticulated foliage with intricate deep green to purplish veining; new growth can show reddish-purple tones Fall Color: Brilliant orange, red, and pink Origin: Rare Ghost Series selection introduced by Talon Buchholz Light: Morning sun to partial shade; protection from hot afternoon sun is recommended to help preserve the delicate variegated foliage and reduce the risk of leaf scorch.  Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter Hardiness: Zones 5–9  Best Uses: Collector gardens, Japanese gardens, woodland gardens, specimen plantings, containers, and focal-point landscapes Best Feature: Ethereal creamy foliage accented by intricate dark green to purplish reticulated veining Garden Interest: Provides exceptional spring and summer foliage interest before transforming into brilliant orange, red, and pink tones in autumn Why You'll Love It: ‘Martha Ghost’ is a truly special Ghost Series Japanese maple that combines luminous cream-and-green reticulated foliage, dramatic dark veining, slow refined growth, and spectacular orange, red, and pink fall color into one highly collectible specimen.