Liquidambar
Sweet gum
- Height × spread
- 4m – 25m × 2m – 12m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Handsome trees with shiny lobed leaves that have the shape of broad stars. These trees are grown, apart from their handsome appearance, for their outstanding autumn colour. A number of forms have been developed with variegated foliage, making the trees very suitable for use as specimen plants. Many more forms have been developed for the autumn colours of red, orange and yellow. The cultivars include some more compact forms. There are a number of different species available in addition to the well known Liquidambar styraciflua.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Black, Green, White, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Column, Cone
- Height
- 4m – 25m
- Spread
- 2m – 12m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Liquidambar
Liquidambar acalycina
Sweet gum, Calyx free Sweet gum
Liquidambar formosana
Formosan sweet gum, Chinese sweet gum
Liquidambar orientalis
Sweet gum, Oriental sweet gum, Storax
Liquidambar styraciflua
American sweet gum, Red gum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Andrew Hewson'
American sweet gum, Red gum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy'
American sweet gum, Red gum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Festival'
American sweet gum, Red gum
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball'
Sweet gum