About
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King' is a tall, conical tree known for its architectural form. Its leaves are five-lobed with uneven creamy-white edges that merge into grey-green centers, acquiring a pink tint as summer progresses. In the fall, the foliage transforms to shades of purple and deep red while maintaining its light-colored borders. The flowers are not prominent, giving way to burr-like fruit that persists on the branches throughout the winter months.
About the genus
Liquidambar consists of deciduous trees notable for their alternating leaves that resemble those of maples, displaying vibrant and enduring colors in the fall. The flowers and fruits are not particularly prominent.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- More than 50 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, preferably acid or neutral, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun for best autumn colour
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, or by grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus