Twombley’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Twombly’s Red Sentinel is a unique, upright Japanese maple prized for its narrow, columnar form and vibrant red foliage that holds color from spring through fall. Unlike most Japanese maples, this cultivar grows vertically with a tight footprint—making it ideal for small spaces, entryways, or as a living architectural accent. The finely lobed leaves emerge a rich crimson in spring, deepen to burgundy in summer, and finish with fiery red tones in autumn. Low-maintenance and strikingly elegant, this variety offers year-round interest with its sculptural winter silhouette and brilliant seasonal color.

Growth Rate and Mature Size

Growth Rate: Moderate growing habit with vertical emphasis. Reaches mature size in 10–15 years with consistent form and color. Responds well to light pruning for shaping.

Mature Size: Typically grows 10–15 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide. Its narrow, columnar shape makes it ideal for tight garden beds, container growing, flanking walkways, or vertical accents in mixed borders.

Watering and Sunlight

Watering: Requires regular watering during establishment and during dry spells. Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Mulch around the root zone helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Sunlight: Prefers partial sun to filtered light. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates where full sun may cause leaf scorch. In cooler climates, it can tolerate more direct sunlight and will maintain its rich foliage color.