Liquidambar is a striking deciduous tree with brilliant autumn colour, ideal for lawns, avenues and shade planting.

At a glance

Pot: 400mm pot

Height now: approx. 2.4m tall

Mature size: 12–18m tall × 6–8m wide

Sun: full sun to part shade

Foliage: deciduous

Hardiness: frost hardy

Why choose a Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet Gum?

Liquidambar is prized for its brilliant autumn display of red, orange, purple and gold. Its upright pyramidal form broadens with age, creating a long-lived shade tree suited to spacious gardens and cool climates.

How can I use it in my garden?

• Plant as a feature in a lawn, park or large garden.

• Use in an avenue for a striking autumn display.

• Combine with Japanese Maples and Claret Ash for layered autumn colour.

Where does it grow best?

Grow in full sun to part shade in fertile, well-drained soil. It is frost hardy and suited to cool-climate gardens.

What does it look like through the year?

Glossy, maple-like green leaves appear in spring and summer, then turn red, orange, purple and gold in autumn. The deciduous tree's upright framework and rough bark provide winter interest.