{"product_id":"liquidambar-gumball-3-4-standard-55-litre-pot-stem-150cm","title":"Liquidambar Gumball 3\/4 Standard 55 Litre Pot Stem 150cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLiquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball' – Compact Globe-Shaped Sweetgum with Fiery Autumn Colour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as Sweet gum, is a slow-growing, deciduous tree prized for its \u003cstrong\u003enaturally rounded, globe-shaped crown\u003c\/strong\u003e and breathtaking seasonal foliage. From spring through summer, the canopy is clothed in glossy, deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves of rich green, before the arrival of autumn triggers a spectacular transformation into \u003cstrong\u003efiery oranges, burning reds, and deep wine purples\u003c\/strong\u003e — a display that rivals any tree in the deciduous world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact, symmetrical habit, restrained growth, and minimal care demands make 'Gumball' an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking \u003cstrong\u003ebold seasonal drama without compromising on space\u003c\/strong\u003e. Whether used as a standalone focal point, planted in formal rows, or incorporated into a mixed planting scheme, this cultivar delivers year-round structure and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHabit \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm \u0026amp; foliage.\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Gumball' is distinguished by its \u003cstrong\u003enaturally symmetrical, ball-shaped crown\u003c\/strong\u003e — a characteristic that develops reliably without the need for corrective pruning. The deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves are a defining feature of the Liquidambar genus, emerging in a fresh, bright green in spring and deepening to a rich, lustrous green through the summer months. Come autumn, the foliage ignites in a dazzling array of \u003cstrong\u003eorange, scarlet, crimson, and purple tones\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing weeks of colour before leaf fall. Even through winter, the clean, rounded silhouette and attractively textured bark ensure this tree earns its place in the garden in every season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate \u0026amp; mature size.\u003c\/strong\u003e This cultivar is slow to moderate in growth rate, eventually forming a compact, neatly rounded tree well-suited to \u003cstrong\u003esmaller gardens, urban courtyards, formal schemes, and avenue planting\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its restrained spread means it can be used confidently in situations where a standard Liquidambar would quickly outgrow its allotted space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 'Gumball' in a \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e position to achieve the densest canopy and the most vivid autumn colour. It will tolerate partial shade, though reduced light levels may diminish the intensity of the seasonal display. This cultivar shows good tolerance of \u003cstrong\u003eurban conditions, including wind and atmospheric pollution\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a reliable performer in city and suburban gardens alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in \u003cstrong\u003emoist, well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e and adapts well to a range of soil types, including clay and loam. For the richest and most intense autumn colour, a \u003cstrong\u003eslightly acidic to neutral soil pH\u003c\/strong\u003e is preferred. Avoid shallow, chalky, or very dry soils where possible — consistently moist conditions support the healthiest growth and the most spectacular seasonal display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy across the UK (RHS H6), tolerating frost, cold winds, and typical British winter conditions without difficulty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare \u0026amp; Pruning\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water thoroughly and regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment. Once settled in, 'Gumball' develops reasonable drought tolerance, though \u003cstrong\u003eoccasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells\u003c\/strong\u003e will support healthy growth and sustain the quality of the autumn colour display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding.\u003c\/strong\u003e In fertile, well-prepared soils, supplementary feeding is rarely necessary. Where soils are sandy or nutrient-poor, applying a \u003cstrong\u003ebalanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring\u003c\/strong\u003e will promote healthy foliage and vigorous seasonal growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulching.\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a generous layer of organic mulch — such as composted bark or garden compost — around the base of the tree each spring to \u003cstrong\u003eretain soil moisture, suppress weed competition, and regulate soil temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e. Keep mulch clear of the trunk to avoid the risk of rot at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e One of 'Gumball's greatest practical virtues is its naturally neat, self-maintaining form, which requires very little intervention. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches during \u003cstrong\u003elate winter while the tree remains fully dormant\u003c\/strong\u003e. Avoid heavy or structural pruning, as the ornamental globe shape develops most effectively when the tree is allowed to grow freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDesign Ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature tree.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 'Gumball' as a \u003cstrong\u003estandalone specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e in a lawn, border, or courtyard where its precise rounded profile and spectacular seasonal colour changes can take centre stage throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormal \u0026amp; avenue planting.\u003c\/strong\u003e The consistent, symmetrical habit makes this cultivar ideal for \u003cstrong\u003epaired plantings or repeated avenue schemes\u003c\/strong\u003e along pathways, driveways, or formal garden borders, lending rhythm, repetition, and structural elegance to the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting combinations.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair with evergreen shrubs such as \u003cem\u003eBuxus\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTaxus\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eIlex\u003c\/em\u003e to create a rich, dark backdrop that intensifies the autumn foliage display. Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials such as \u003cem\u003eHeuchera\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGeranium\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eEpimedium\u003c\/em\u003e for layered, multi-season interest beneath the canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrban \u0026amp; contemporary gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e The compact, slow-growing nature of 'Gumball' makes it a natural choice for \u003cstrong\u003esmaller urban gardens, patio settings, and contemporary planting schemes\u003c\/strong\u003e where clean lines, bold seasonal colour, and low\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57490960810310,"sku":"174157","price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/liquidambar-gumball-3-4-standard-55-litre-pot-stem-150cm","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}