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Spectacular autumn colour of sweet gum in red, orange, and goldTrees

Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweet Gum

autumn colourornamental treepark treelarge gardenstar-shaped leaves

Sweet Gum is a majestic deciduous tree with star-shaped leaves that turn spectacularly in autumn to shades of red, orange, purple, and gold — often all at once on the same tree. Corky bark on older branches adds extra interest. One of the finest trees for autumn colour.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
1000–2500 cm
Spread
600–1200 cm
Hardiness zone
5–9
Family
Altingiaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
green
Wildlife value
birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in moist, slightly acidic soil. The tree needs space to develop. Water young trees regularly. Avoid chalky or very dry soil. Roots are sensitive to disturbance — plant in its permanent position.

Pruning tips

Prune as little as possible — Sweet Gum has a naturally beautiful form. Remove dead or crossing wood in winter. Formative pruning is rarely needed. Avoid pruning in spring due to sap loss.

Good companions

White trunk of a Silver Birch with fine pendulous branchesTrees

Betula pendula

Silver Birch

Silver Birch is a graceful, fast-growing tree with striking white bark that peels in thin layers over the years. The fine, pendulous branches give the tree an airy, elegant silhouette. In autumn, the small triangular leaves turn bright yellow.

Full sunMedium1000–2500 cm
Red and green palmate leaves of a Japanese maple in an autumn gardenTrees

Acer palmatum

Japanese Maple

The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.

Partial shadeMedium200–800 cm
White blossom of snowy mespilus in spring against a blue skyTrees

Amelanchier lamarckii

Snowy Mespilus

The snowy mespilus is a versatile ornamental tree with something to offer in every season. In April, cloud-like white blossom appears, followed by copper-bronze emerging foliage. In summer, dark purple edible berries ripen. The highlight is autumn, when the leaves turn spectacular shades of orange and red. A perfect tree for small gardens.

Full sunMedium300–600 cm