Liquidamber, also called Sweet Gum, Star-leaved Gum, Alligator-wood tree among others, is a fabulous eye-catching tree that is at its most impressive in autumn when the foliage is a dazzling array of colour.

The leaf of the Liquidamber is similar in shape to a maple leaf, in summer they are fresh and green, turning in the autumn to shades of yellow, orange, pink and reds. The bark is pale and corky (hence alligator-wood); left to its own devices this tree can grow tall, but it responds well to pruning making it an ideal specimen to plant where colour is needed to brighten up your garden in autumn. For best results, plant in the sun, in deep fertile soil that does not completely dry out during summer.

Did you know that the resin, storax, extracted from the trunk of the Liquidamber is used in incense and perfume?

aka Sweet Gum

Liquidambar Burgundy A distinguished narrow pyramidal form of this lovely deciduous tree. Large. lobed green leaves turn a deep burgundy red in autumn and hold well until leaf drop. Give this tree plenty of space so the true beauty can be appreciated. Prefers soil that does not dry out completely in summer.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

An Australian variety noted for its smoothness of bark and brilliant autumn tonings. A beautiful specimen tree that will provide a blaze of colour in autumn, 'Festerii' is certainly worth planting. The dense green summer foliage turns to tones of yellow orange and red before leaf fall. Nice pyramidal shape. Plant in deep fertile soil. Deciduous.

'Festerii' is a particularly handsome specimen tree that needs space to grow and develop. The large, lobed, lush foliage is a fresh green in summer before putting on a fantastic autumn display. The autumn leaves hold on the tree well into winter.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Liquidambar

Now this is really special. A unique form of Liquidambar with a dense, shrubby, rounded habit. The fresh green summer foliage turns orange, red, wine and purple in autumn and holds well into winter. Grafted on to a standard that forms a quirky corky trunk to give a unique overall effect. Deciduous.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Now this is really special. A unique form of Liquidambar with a dense, rounded habit. The fresh green summer foliage puts on a vibrant autumn display in tones of red and purple, holding well into winter. Grafted on to a standard that forms a characterful 'corky' trunk. Deciduous.

Plant your Liquidambar in deeply worked soil that does not completely dry out in summer.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

This selected clone is well known for putting on a dazzling autumn display. The fresh green summer foliage gradually turns to rich tones of darkest crimson red as autumn arrives. Neat pyramidal habit and bark that is relatively smooth for a Liquidambar. Deciduous. Hgt in 10 year estimate only.

Plant in the sun in deep fertile soil that does not completely dry out in summer for best results. 'Lane Roberts' has an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

Sweet Gum. Narrow upright pyramidal form. Summer leaves are a rich green but these become stunning autumn colour from orange and apricot and finally turning purple in autumn before falling. Colours well in all climates. Excellent street tree.Deciduous

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

Seedless Sweet Gum. A slightly different form of Liquidambar with lobed leaves that have rounded edges. Green in spring-summer with lovely fiery autumn tones prior to leaf fall. Natural pyramidal shape. Makes a very handsome specimen tree for those that have space to allow it to develop. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

Liquidambar rotundiloba is a sterile cultivar and therefore is seedless.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

The 'Sweet Gum' is simply one of the best specimen trees for autumn colour. Green summer leaves turn brilliant tones of orange, red and purple in autumn. Will grow almost anywhere but prefers deep fertile soil. Attractive corky bark. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

aka Sweet Gum

A handsome specimen tree with an upright form and graceful drooping outer branches. The large, lobed, green summer leaves turn striking shades of pale orange and apricot in autumn, eventually turning purple prior to leaf fall. Give it space so it can show its true glory. RHS AGM. Deciduous.

It is important that your Liquidambar is planted in a position where the soil does not completely dry out in summer.