I have linked a good thread about 'Purple Ghost' below.
They seem to be quite sun tolerant, but "full" sun on an any of the reticulated varieties is not something I would ever recommend. Afternoon shade is always appreciated especially in the heat and humidity of your summers.

And don't let local nursery availability stifle your urges- if I did that I would have a yard full of Emerald Green arborvitae and boxwood. All of the 22 JM's I have were mail order and in seven years I haven't been disappointed or lost one yet.

(edited horrific typo)

Here is a link that might be useful: Purple Ghost

This post was edited by cearbhaill on Tue, May 7, 13 at 17:01

I'd agree with the recommendation for some afternoon shade for 'Purple Ghost'.

And it's hard to rate the trees you list. Leaf color varies widely between them, as does mature size and growth habit. The variety I use most often for my design clients is 'Fireglow', as it has more of a RED red/less purple coloring and a good, compact size. And it gets superb fall color. I would recommend other red leaved forms for other reasons.......it's all a matter of personal taste :-)

Thank you, these are very helpful replies. I will not further consider purple ghost for this site..

gardengal (or anyone else), I was wondering if you might educate me about leaf color and growth habit differences you mention. I have trouble seeing distinctions in descriptions..

thanks,
growitnow

Fireglow has a redder tone (less maroon or wine colored) to the foliage than the others and turns a very intense coppery red in fall. It is a small upright form- maybe 12-15' tall and with a slightly narrower crown.

Bloodgood and Emperor I are virtually identical - Emperor I just leafs out a bit later than Bloodgood so better for colder areas that may experience late frosts. The mature size, leaf shape and color are pretty much indistinguishable. Big trees as much as 25-30' in my climate and with an equal spread.

Purple Ghost is almost lavender in coloring, sometimes with a purple green cast. It is a reticulated variety so veining is very prominent and quite dark This is a fairly petite tree, maybe 12' tall and half as wide. The leaves are deeply lobed and rather small.

Moonfire has some of the deepest colored foliage of any JM - almost a black purple. Produces a kind of iridescense in the sun. Otherwise it has a similar appearance to both Bloodgood and Emp I and will reach a similar size.

Hi thanks this is very helpful.

Vertrees indicates Emperor I has thinner leaves than bloodgood, so leaves 'glow' more in sun. which seems a desirable attribute. I missed opprtunity to buy a 6ft Fireglow at nursery. I could really see the redder tone you describe. Very nice. If I do go the nursery route I may go with Emperor I.

I'm lucky that there is a commercial supplier about an hour away who also sells to public..that has pretty extensive selection.

I have about 7 Japanese maples and love them but am very ignorant about all the cultivars out there.

www.colesvillenursery.com
is fantastic. I would welcome any suggestions for cultivars I might consider. Just click Inventory, then Retail availability. They show ALL current stock. This is the nursery about an hour away from me where I will go to choose.

Thanks alot for your help, this is really very helpful!
growitnow

Late to the party, but purple ghost cooks in full sun in st louis. Maybe parts of England....