About
Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring followed by spiky, brown fruits after flowering. Compact, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 6m, with an upright habit and a narrow, columnar crown. Maple-like, dark green, palmate leaves are 5-lobed and turn yellow-orange to red in autumn.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid, moderately fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands or as a specimen tree. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour - see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus