TreesLiquidambar styraciflua
Sweet Gum
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.
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
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
TreesBetula 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.
TreesAcer 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.
TreesAmelanchier 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.