Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’

This is a really useful tree we’ve sold for years, especially for customers with newer gardens who need height without a wide spread. Its main feature is the rich, dark red-purple foliage that holds its colour from spring through to summer. In early spring, small clusters of yellow flowers, sometimes tinged red, appear on the bare branches before the leaves emerge.

Acer ‘Crimson Sentry’ has a naturally narrow, upright habit, making it a great architectural plant. It’s a slow to moderate grower, eventually reaching a height of around 8-12 metres with a much smaller spread of 3-5 metres. It will grow happily in most soil types, provided they are moist but well-drained, and does best in full sun or partial shade to get the strongest leaf colour.

It’s a low-maintenance tree and needs very little pruning to keep its shape. We recommend only removing any dead or damaged branches during the winter dormant period. Its tight, columnar form makes it perfect for flanking a gateway, lining a drive, or as a strong accent plant in a mixed border where space is tight.