Contents
Description
Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry, also known as Crimson Sentry Norway Maple, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is a cultivar of the Norway maple tree and is widely popular for its compact size and beautiful foliage. The tree grows up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a dense, upright, and oval-shaped canopy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry has deep green leaves that turn into a bright red color in the fall. The leaves are 5-lobed with a smooth texture and a glossy surface. The tree has a smooth, gray bark and produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring. The flowers are followed by winged seeds known as samaras that ripen in the fall.
Care Guide
Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry requires regular care and attention to thrive. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water the tree deeply once a week and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization in the spring and fall. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure that the tree is planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests: Aphids, scale insects, and borers can infest the tree.
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and tar spot can affect the tree.
Habitat
Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry is commonly found in parks, gardens, and along streets. The tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of urban pollution and is widely cultivated in cities across North America and Europe.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to prune Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry?
A: The tree can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How often should I fertilize the tree?
A: The tree benefits from fertilization twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
Q: Can Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry tolerate drought?
A: The tree prefers regular watering and does not tolerate drought well.
Q: How fast does Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry grow?
A: The tree grows at a moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Acer Platanoides Crimson Sentry:
- Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)
- Acer Saccharinum (Silver Maple)
- Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)
- Acer Negundo (Boxelder)
References
- “Acer Platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a472.
- “Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14641/Acer-platanoides-Crimson-Sentry/Details.
- “Norway Maple ‘Crimson Sentry’.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/norway-maple-crimson-sentry-3269257.
