Acer Palmatum Twomblys Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Acer Palmatum Twombly's Red Sentinel is an excellently named small deciduous Japanese Maple with striking predominantly red leaves. It suits sheltered borders and large plant containers. 

Acer palmatum are Japanese natives, but they are cultivated across the world. Twombly's Red Sentinel is a sport (which means a naturally occurring variety) of the much-loved Acer Palamtum Bloodgood. It was found on a witches broom and named after Twombly's nursey in Connecticut, USA. It’s prized for its columnar habit and rich variety of red foliage.

In spring five to seven lobed foliage emerges in vibrant red along with tiny inconspicuous flowers. In summer the leaves mature to purple red with green tips, and autumn brings bright red-winged seed pods with a blaze of deep red foliage.

Japanese Twombly's Red Sentinel is a slow-growing distinctive Acer Palmatum variety with fiery red shades. If you love striking autumn colour this acer is for you.

Height And Spread of Acer Palmatum Twombly's Red Sentinel
Japanese Maple Twombly's Red Sentinel will take 10-20 years to reach its maximum height of three metres in a columnar shape before bushing out. Its witches broom heritage means it has a lot of stems and plenty of foliage.

How Hardy is Acer Palmatum Twombly's Red Sentinel
It’s hardy down to minus temperatures if the roots are well-drained. It prefers partial shade and needs shelter from harsh, drying winds to look its best.

How To Use Acer Palmatum Twombly's Red Sentinel
Japanese Maple Twombley Red’s foliage stands out in a leafy low maintenance countryside border, a gravel garden, or a Japanese-themed space.
It doesn’t get too large in a container on the balcony or patio, and its red spring to autumn leaves create a bright and cheerful display as a stand-alone specimen in an urban courtyard.
Acers are an excellent way to create lots of garden colour after the summer’s flower displays are spent.

How To Care For Acer Palmatum Twombly's Red Sentinel
Japanese Maple Twombly's Red Sentinel is low maintenance and easy to grow.
It will grow in the majority of moist but well-drained spots but tends to prefer neutral to acidic soil. It likes plenty of food so apply a thick layer of mulch in spring and again in winter to protect its roots.
A fertile, sunny to partially sunny position with wind shelter is the best spot for Twombly’s Red. It copes with full sun better than other more delicate acers, but too much direct sun scorches its leaves - the best foliage colour will emerge with some shade.
Regular pruning isn’t needed and may ruin its shape but you can cut away crossed or damaged branches in the dormant season.
Water well until established and ensure that container-grown acers are watered and fed throughout the hot or dry months. Container-grown acers should also be propped up on feet during the winter to allow the roots to freely drain and avoid frost damage from extreme cold.