About
Inconspicuous flowers are followed by burr-like fruit that stay on the tree through winter. A large, upright, conical tree. The five-lobed leaves have irregular, creamy-white margins, spreading into the leaves to create grey-green areas, and developing a pink flush in late summer. Leaves turn purple and dark red in autumn, but retain the pale border.
About the genus
Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, preferably acid or neutral, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun for best autumn colour
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, or by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus