Maple Tree Crimson Sentry

The Crimson Sentry Maple Tree has purple foliage.  Leaves turn golden in Autumn. Great Maple for a feature tree. Grows approx. 7m  x 4m.

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’ (Crimson Sentry Norway Maple)

General Information

• Common Name: Crimson Sentry Norway Maple
• Botanical Name: Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’
• Family: Sapindaceae
• Origin: Cultivar of the Norway maple (Acer platanoides), native to Europe and western Asia

Description

• Growth Habit: A compact, upright, columnar tree with a dense canopy.
• Size:
  • Typically grows 5–7 m (16–23 ft) tall
  • Spread is around 3–4 m (10–13 ft) wide, making it a great choice for small spaces.
• Lifespan: Can live 60–100 years with proper care.

Key Features

• Foliage:
  • Spring: Deep reddish-purple emerging leaves.
  • Summer: Dark burgundy to purple foliage that holds its color well.
  • Autumn: Brilliant golden-bronze to orange-red fall color.
• Flowers:
  • Small clusters of yellow-green flowers in early spring before leaf emergence.
  • The flowers contrast beautifully with the dark foliage.
• Bark:
  • Gray-brown, relatively smooth when young, developing shallow ridges with age.
• Fruits:
  • Produces samaras (winged seeds), typical of Norway maples. However, it is a lower-seed-producing variety compared to the standard Acer platanoides.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Full sun enhances its deep purple foliage color.
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers well-drained, moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established.
• Watering: Moderate watering; prefers even moisture but can tolerate occasional dry spells.
• Humidity: Adaptable to different humidity levels.

Care and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Minimal pruning is required.
  • Best pruned in late summer or early autumn to avoid excessive sap bleeding.
  • Can be pruned for shape or to remove damaged/dead branches.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and protect roots.
• Fertilization: Benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Pests & Diseases:
  • Pests: Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
  • Diseases: Can be affected by tar spot, verticillium wilt, and leaf scorch. Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent issues.

Landscape Uses

• Urban & Street Tree: Its compact size and upright growth make it ideal for narrow spaces, sidewalks, and urban landscapes.
• Ornamental Feature: Adds dramatic color contrast in gardens and landscapes.
• Privacy Screen: Works well in rows for screening or hedging.
• Small Gardens: A great alternative to larger maples for smaller spaces.

Propagation

• Typically propagated through grafting to maintain its unique characteristics.

Crimson Sentry

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’ is a striking, columnar maple with deep purple foliage, making it a great choice for compact spaces and urban landscapes. It is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and offers year-round ornamental value. This tree is perfect for adding height, structure, and bold color to any garden or streetscape.