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Crimson Sentry Norway Maple

Name: Crimson Sentry Norway Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer platanoides 'Crimson Sentry'

$185.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree (60+ years)

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Leaves can be toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer platanoides, the Norway Maple, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its tolerance of urban conditions, including pollution and poor soils. Many cultivars are grown for their colorful foliage. 'Crimson Sentry' is a unique columnar form of Norway Maple, maintaining a very narrow, upright habit. It is highly valued for its dense, rich maroon-purple foliage that holds its color throughout the growing season.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a powerful vertical design element with its narrow, columnar form and season-long deep purple foliage. It creates a dramatic focal point or a formal row planting.

Its tight, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for screening or adding height in narrow spaces where a traditional shade tree would not fit, such as side yards or along driveways.

While the species can be invasive and outcompete native flora, it is a tough, adaptable tree that can tolerate harsh urban conditions like air pollution and compacted soils where other trees might fail.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$185.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun for best foliage color.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, removing any large rocks.
Water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, not touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

Its dense shade and shallow roots can make it difficult to grow grass underneath; plan for a wide mulch bed instead.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter to maintain a strong structure.
Check local regulations before planting due to its invasive potential.
Provide ample space for its mature height.

Don't

Do not plant where its aggressive, shallow roots will damage pavement.
Avoid planting in regions where Acer platanoides is considered invasive.
Do not amend the backfill soil heavily.
Avoid 'topping' the tree, which ruins its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic vertical accent for tight spacesFormal street or driveway treeColorful screen for narrow side yards

Companion Plants

Hosta (shade tolerant) Heuchera (at a distance) Vinca minor (groundcover) Lamium maculatum (groundcover) Geranium macrorrhizum (groundcover)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Sentry Norway Maple questions

What zones can Crimson Sentry Norway Maple grow in?

Crimson Sentry Norway Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crimson Sentry Norway Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Crimson Sentry Norway Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crimson Sentry Norway Maple bloom?

Crimson Sentry Norway Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crimson Sentry Norway Maple need full sun?

Crimson Sentry Norway Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Crimson Sentry Norway Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crimson Sentry Norway Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.