Acer negundo 'Sensation' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Name: Acer negundo 'Sensation'
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 4200.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$4,200.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 500L

500L 300L 100L 40cm/45L 30cm/33cm

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm/33cm: 1.1m – 1.5m Approx.
40cm/45L: 1.8m - 2.3m Approx.
100L: 2.6m – 3.2m Approx.
300L: 3.8m – 4m Approx.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Acer negundo 'Sensation' – Sensation Box Elder Maple is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with green compound leaves that turn deep burgundy-red in autumn. Its broad, rounded canopy and consistent seasonal colour make it a reliable option for landscapes where shade and visual contrast are important.

They look excellent in streetscapes, parks, and large gardens where a medium-sized tree is needed to deliver autumn colour with minimal maintenance. Tolerant of urban conditions and a wide range of soils, this cultivar performs well in public and residential settings alike.

Adaptable, resilient, and suited to high-traffic environments where dependable growth and structure are required.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Acer negundo 'Sensation' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6 m – 8 m

Mature Width: 4 m – 6 m

Acer negundo 'Sensation' is expected to grow 60–90 cm per year (fast-growing under ideal conditions).

Frost Tolerance

Is Acer negundo 'Sensation' frost tolerant?

Acer negundo 'Sensation' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ produces small, soft yellow-green flowers in early spring before the new foliage fully emerges. Though understated, these early blooms provide a useful pollen source for beneficial insects at the start of the season.

Native Information

Is Acer negundo 'Sensation' an Australian Native? No

Acer negundo 'Sensation' is Native to A selected cultivar of Acer negundo (Box Elder Maple), native to North America, bred for improved colour and landscape value.

Wildlife Value

Its broad canopy offers shelter for small birds, while its early-season flowers and later seed clusters support native bees, hoverflies and other pollinators that contribute to a healthier, more biodiverse garden ecosystem.

Sunlight Information

Acer negundo 'Sensation' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures and develops moderate drought resilience.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Sensation Box Elder Maple

Genus: Acer

Botanical Species: negundo

Family: Sapindaceae

Botanical Name: Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Landscape Uses

Avenue Planting
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Feature Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Acer negundo 'Sensation' works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Select a Location: Opt for a site with good sunlight and well-draining soil.
Soil Enhancement: Integrate organic compost to improve soil structure.
Hole Preparation: The hole should be about twice the width of the tree's container and of equal depth.
Tree Placement: Set the 'Sensation' Maple in the hole, fill with soil, and firm down gently.
Initial Watering: Generously water after planting to settle the soil and support root growth.

Hedging & Screening:Not typically used for hedging due to broad form.

Feature Tree: Plant 3 m – 4 m apart for seasonal colour and canopy display.

Avenue Planting Trees:Can be used in wide road verges or informal avenues.

Caring for Acer negundo 'Sensation'

Watering: Regular watering for young trees, reducing frequency as the tree matures.
Pruning: Light pruning during late winter or early spring to maintain shape and health.
Mulching: Apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests/Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases typical to maples, although 'Sensation' generally demonstrates good resistance.

Acer negundo 'Sensation' (Box Elder 'Sensation'): Adaptable to Most Soils

The Acer negundo 'Sensation', also known as the Box Elder 'Sensation', is a fast-growing tree known for its vibrant silver-variegated leaves. Here's a breakdown on ensuring your Box Elder 'Sensation' thrives in various soil conditions:

Adaptable to Most Soils: This versatile tree can tolerate a wide range of soils, including well-draining, sandy, or even slightly moist clay soils. However, proper drainage is still important, especially in heavy clay, to prevent waterlogging.
Well-Draining Soil is Ideal: While adaptable, the Box Elder 'Sensation' prefers well-draining soil for optimal growth. If your soil is already well-draining, you're all set!
Amending Clay Soil: If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with sand and organic matter to improve drainage.
Enjoy its Beauty: With proper care, your Box Elder 'Sensation' will reward you with its stunning foliage and fast growth.

Acer negundo 'Sensation' is expected to grow 60–90 cm per year (fast-growing under ideal conditions).

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it needs regular watering, but once established Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It handles short dry periods well, though occasional deep watering during extended heat helps maintain canopy health and strong seasonal colour.

Flowering Information

Does Acer negundo 'Sensation' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this plant suitable for hedging or screening?
A. No, it is not typically used for hedging due to its upright tree form and wide canopy spread.

Q. How fast does Acer negundo 'Sensation' grow?
A. It grows quickly, typically 60–90 cm per year under good conditions.

Q. What makes this tree a “sensation”?
A. It’s known for its vibrant red-orange autumn foliage and compact growth compared to other box elders.

Q. Is this tree deciduous?
A. Yes, it is fully deciduous, providing seasonal interest with autumn colour and winter structure.

Q. Can I use it as a feature tree in a small garden?
A. Yes, its moderate height and neat shape make it suitable for smaller spaces where a striking autumn feature is desired.

Q. Does it tolerate urban or tough conditions?
A. Yes, it is known for its tolerance to a wide range of soils, urban pollution, and moderate drought once established.

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