Liquidambar styraciflua – Sweet Gum Tree with Spectacular Autumn Colour
Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as the Sweet Gum Tree, is one of the finest ornamental trees for autumn colour. Valued for its deeply lobed, maple-like foliage, it delivers an outstanding seasonal display as the leaves transform into glowing shades of crimson, orange, purple, burgundy, and gold.
During spring and summer, the fresh green foliage forms a dense, elegant canopy that provides structure and shade. As the seasons change, the tree becomes a dramatic focal point, with colours often intensifying over several weeks in autumn.
When young, Liquidambar has a strong upright habit, gradually developing into a broad conical tree with a balanced and architectural form. Its corky bark and attractive branching structure also provide winter interest once the leaves have fallen.
Ideal as a specimen tree, it performs particularly well in larger gardens, avenues, and parkland-style planting where its seasonal impact can be fully appreciated.
Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil and develops its best autumn colour when planted in open positions with good light.
Hardy, reliable, and long-lived, it requires very little maintenance once established.
Elegant, colourful, and highly architectural, Liquidambar styraciflua is an exceptional choice for adding spectacular autumn drama to the landscape.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Fresh bright green foliage emerges.
Summer: Dense leafy canopy provides structure and shade.
Autumn: Brilliant red, orange, purple, and gold foliage display.
Winter: Attractive branching and corky bark visible.
Key Features
Outstanding autumn colour – Rich multi-tonal display.
Maple-like foliage – Elegant leaf shape.
Architectural form – Strong conical habit.
Specimen tree – Excellent focal point.
Low maintenance – Easy long-term care.
Perfect For
Feature planting – Strong seasonal focal point.
Large gardens – Space for mature form.
Avenues – Elegant structured planting.
Parkland settings – Long-lived ornamental tree.
Autumn gardens – Exceptional seasonal colour.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Full sun preferred for best autumn colour.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.
Care: Minimal pruning required once established.
Looks Great With
Japanese maples – Autumn colour combinations.
Birch trees – Contrasting bark and texture.
Grasses – Softens larger planting schemes.
Evergreens – Enhances seasonal contrast.
Acer varieties – Layered autumn displays.
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.
