Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’ – Columnar Norway Maple with Dark Foliage
Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’ is a striking, narrow-growing maple, valued for its deep purple-red foliage and strong architectural form. With its naturally upright, columnar habit, it provides height and structure without spreading, making it ideal for gardens where space is limited.
In spring, richly coloured leaves emerge in deep burgundy tones and retain their intensity throughout summer, offering long-lasting colour and contrast. As autumn approaches, the foliage deepens further, adding warmth and seasonal interest before leaf fall.
The compact footprint and tidy outline of ‘Crimson Sentry’ make it particularly suitable for avenues, formal planting schemes, and contemporary gardens. It works well as a specimen tree or planted in rows to create vertical rhythm and definition.
Hardy and reliable, this variety thrives in sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is tolerant of urban conditions and requires little maintenance, making it a dependable choice for both private gardens and landscape planting.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Deep purple-red foliage emerges.
Summer: Strong leaf colour holds well.
Autumn: Foliage deepens before leaf fall.
Winter: Columnar framework adds structure.
Key Features
Columnar habit – Narrow, upright form.
Dark foliage – Rich red-purple leaves.
Compact footprint – Ideal for tight spaces.
Hardy and robust – Reliable in UK conditions.
Low maintenance – Minimal pruning required.
Perfect For
Avenues and rows – Uniform, vertical structure.
Small gardens – Height without spread.
Formal planting – Clean, architectural lines.
Urban gardens – Tolerant and dependable.
Specimen planting – Strong visual impact.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable once established.
Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.
Care: Little pruning needed; remove dead wood in winter if required.
Looks Great With
Light foliage – Betula, Amelanchier.
Underplanting – Geranium, Heuchera, spring bulbs.
Grasses – Deschampsia, Molinia for contrast.
Evergreens – Box, Yew for year-round structure.