Deciduous Tree – Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Botanical name: acer palmatum ‘twombly’s red sentinel’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 10-15 ft in height with a 6-8 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-8 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: red 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring during dormancy before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with new growth cuttings during the late spring/early summer months 

Landscape use: focal point, patio, entry way, container tree

Special features: narrow growth habit, deer resistant, rabbit resistant 

Light needs: 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: loam

Companion plants: other japanese maples, japanese forest grass, ferns, pieris, azaleas

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets (but often confused with the Red Maple (acer rubrum) which is highly toxic for humans and pets)

Invasive species: no