Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' – A Tall, Elegant Tree for Striking Seasonal Beauty

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette', commonly known as the Slender Silhouette Sweetgum, is a narrow, upright tree celebrated for its graceful form, vibrant autumn colour, and unique, columnar growth habit. This variety of Sweetgum is perfect for gardens and urban spaces where vertical space is needed, yet it still offers stunning seasonal interest throughout the year.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

• Spring: In spring, 'Slender Silhouette' begins to leaf out with fresh, bright green foliage, providing a cool and attractive canopy. The tree’s slender, upright habit makes it a wonderful addition to narrow spaces or as an accent in smaller gardens.
• Summer: Throughout the summer, the tree fills out with dense, dark green, star-shaped leaves that provide excellent shade. The foliage has a smooth texture and forms a rich, uniform canopy, perfect for creating vertical interest without spreading too widely.
• Autumn: The true beauty of 'Slender Silhouette' is revealed in autumn when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple, offering one of the most spectacular fall displays. The transformation is particularly striking due to the tree’s narrow, columnar form, which highlights the vibrant colours and ensures that the autumn show is visible from afar.
• Winter: In winter, the bare, slender branches stand tall and striking against the landscape. The spiky seed pods remain attached, providing texture and visual interest, while the smooth grey bark adds a quiet elegance to the winter scene.

Structure & Form

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' is a columnar, narrow tree, typically reaching a height of 12–15m (40–50ft) with a width of just 3–4m (10–13ft). Its upright, slender growth habit makes it perfect for narrow planting spaces, such as along driveways, in urban gardens, or as a vertical accent in larger landscapes. Despite its narrow shape, it develops a dense, full canopy that provides plenty of shade and seasonal colour.

Ideal for Various Landscapes

• Narrow Urban Spaces: Its vertical form is ideal for smaller gardens, narrow streetscapes, or city landscapes where width is limited but height is desired.
• Specimen & Feature Trees: The elegant structure and spectacular autumn colour make it an excellent specimen tree, ideal for creating a vertical focal point in gardens or parklands.
• Street & Avenue Planting: Perfect for streetscapes, avenues, and public spaces where space is limited, yet striking visual appeal is desired. It can line roads or act as an architectural element in city landscapes.
• Wildlife Gardens: The tree's flowers, seeds, and dense foliage attract wildlife, including birds and insects, making it a good choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best colour and growth, plant in a sunny location, though it can tolerate some shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, this tree is well-suited to temperate climates and can tolerate frost and cold temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of regions.
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to remove dead or damaged wood, and shape the tree as necessary. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases and does not require regular intervention.

Why Choose Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette'?

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' is a versatile, low-maintenance tree that adds vertical elegance and vibrant seasonal colour to any garden or landscape. Its narrow, columnar form, combined with its striking autumn colour and adaptability, makes it an excellent choice for urban gardens, streetscapes, or as a feature tree in larger spaces.

Perfect Plant Combinations

• Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) or Betula pendula (Silver Birch) for contrasting forms and seasonal colour.
• Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Cornus alba (Red-Twig Dogwood) for a mix of textures and colours throughout the year.
• Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Echinacea, Astilbe, or Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) to create texture and movement under the tree’s canopy.
• Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Narcissus (Daffodils), or Tulips for a burst of early-season colour before the tree fully leafs out.

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' is a truly unique tree that offers both elegance and functionality. Its narrow, upright form, coupled with its vibrant seasonal colours, makes it perfect for gardens and urban spaces where space is limited but impact is desired. With minimal maintenance and year-round appeal, it is an ideal choice for adding vertical interest and seasonal beauty to any landscape.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

• Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
• Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

Liquidambar sty. Slender Silhouette 8/10cm Girth Root Ball Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.