Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gumball’ – Compact, Rounded Sweetgum with Spectacular Autumn Colour

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gumball’ is a compact, deciduous tree prized for its perfectly rounded habit, glossy green foliage, and fiery autumn display. Its naturally symmetrical form makes it ideal for smaller gardens, avenues, or as a feature tree, combining beauty, structure, and seasonal drama.

With slow to moderate growth, exceptional autumnal colour, and minimal maintenance requirements, ‘Gumball’ is perfect for gardeners seeking a show-stopping yet space-conscious tree.

Why Grow Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gumball’?

1. Perfect Rounded Form
A naturally compact, globe-shaped habit makes this cultivar ideal for urban gardens, patios, and formal landscapes without dominating the space.

2. Stunning Autumn Colour
Leaves transform from glossy green in summer to fiery oranges, reds, and purples in autumn, providing seasonal drama and visual impact.

3. Space-Conscious & Versatile
Reaches 5–7 m tall with a similar spread, making it ideal for small gardens, street planting, or container displays.

4. Hardy & Resilient
Fully hardy, tolerant of wind and urban conditions, and adaptable to most soils, making it a durable, low-maintenance choice.

5. Year-Round Architectural Appeal
Even after leaf drop, its neat rounded silhouette adds winter structure and form to the landscape.

How to Grow Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gumball’

Position:
Thrives in full sun for best autumn colour and dense foliage.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-drained soil, adaptable to most soil types including clay and loam.

Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering.

Pruning:
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter if needed.

Growth Habit:
Slow to moderate-growing deciduous tree with a globe-shaped crown. Mature height 5–7 m, width 5–7 m.

Hardiness:
Fully hardy across the UK (H6). Tolerant of frost, wind, and urban conditions.

Design Ideas

• Use as a feature tree in small gardens, patios, or formal landscapes.

• Plant in groups or rows for autumn colour and architectural structure.

• Combine with evergreen shrubs or perennials to highlight seasonal foliage changes.

• Perfect for urban planting schemes, adding vertical and rounded form to streetscapes.

Final Thought

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Gumball’ combines a perfect globe-shaped form, stunning autumnal colour, and low-maintenance resilience, making it an outstanding choice for compact gardens, patios, or streetscapes. Its seasonal drama and tidy structure make it a year-round visual asset.

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 s. Gumball 8/10cm Girth Root Ball Delivery Jan/Feb 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.