Liquidambar styraciflua – Sweet Gum Tree
Architectural Beauty with Spectacular Autumn Colour
The Liquidambar styraciflua, or Sweet Gum, is a striking deciduous tree known for its deeply lobed, maple-like leaves and unrivalled autumn colour. Throughout the seasons, it transitions from lush green foliage in spring and summer to a dazzling display of fiery reds, purples, oranges, and golds in autumn.
Its symmetrical, upright form and corky bark ridges make it a superb choice for specimen planting, avenues, or large borders, bringing strong structure and a dramatic seasonal transformation to the landscape.
Key Features
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Foliage: Glossy green, deeply lobed leaves with vivid autumn colour
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Height & Spread: 10–15m tall x 6–10m wide at maturity (slow to moderate growth rate)
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Form: Upright, pyramidal habit with architectural appeal
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Bark: Textured, grey bark with corky ridges on older specimens
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Interest: Excellent for autumn foliage displays and ornamental structure
Ideal For
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Specimen tree in lawns or open borders
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Urban and suburban gardens with space to grow
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Autumn-focused planting schemes
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Avenue or driveway planting for symmetry and seasonal colour
Growing Conditions
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Position: Full sun for best colour development
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Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (avoids chalky or alkaline soils)
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Watering: Water well during establishment
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Hardiness: Fully hardy in most UK regions
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Maintenance: Minimal – prune only to remove dead or damaged branches
Why Choose Liquidambar styraciflua?
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Spectacular autumn colour that rivals acers and maples
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Strong architectural form for year-round presence
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Tolerant of urban conditions and pollution
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Long-lived and low-maintenance
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A standout feature tree in any landscape
Liquidambar styraciflua is a premium choice for gardeners seeking vibrant seasonal change and stately form. Its brilliant foliage and reliable growth make it a favourite for large gardens, public spaces, and feature planting schemes that celebrate the beauty of autumn.
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.
