Liquidambar styraciflua
sweet gum
One of the best for autumn colour, 'Sweet Gum' is a gorgeous tree, with large, star-like, shiny, bright green leaves...
5 litre pot | 1.0m tall | bush
£49.99
available to order from spring 2027
9 litre pot | 1.5 - 1.8m tall
£89.99
In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
12 litre pot | 1 - 1.25m tall | bush
£99.99
available to order from spring 2027
1
Delivery options
Plant description
One of the best for autumn colour, 'Sweet Gum' is a gorgeous tree, with large, star-like, shiny, bright green leaves which turn spectacular shades of orange, red, purple and yellow in the autumn. Its shape is broadly conical, and although it grows slowly, it is best suited to a larger garden, as it is long-lived and will eventually grow to 25 metres.
In Britain, Liquidambar styraciflua flowers intermittently and inconspiculously in spring, but it is for the foliage that this tree is prized.
Grow it either as a specimen tree, where it will reach the mature height and spread advertised, or as a multi-stemmed bush form for smaller sites and more modest heights. Trees and bushes grown in a rich, damp soil in full sun will colour the best.
In Britain, Liquidambar styraciflua flowers intermittently and inconspiculously in spring, but it is for the foliage that this tree is prized.
Grow it either as a specimen tree, where it will reach the mature height and spread advertised, or as a multi-stemmed bush form for smaller sites and more modest heights. Trees and bushes grown in a rich, damp soil in full sun will colour the best.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Liquidambar styraciflua:
When planting, incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and stake firmly. Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. For best autumn colours, choose a position in full sun.
Please note:
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
