Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball'
sweet gum 'Gum Ball'
A compact, rounded tree, often grown as a standard pom pom tree. Leaves are alternate, maple-like and dense and take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour. Flowers and fruits are inconspicuous, although fruits are a decorative spiky woody capsule.
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Purple Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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