Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon

Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon, also known as Sweet Gum Worplesdon, features delightfully lobed leaves resembling those of a Maple. The lobes are more deeply and distinctly defined than those of the species, emerging in spring with a vibrant green colour.

The real attraction of this tree is displayed from September onwards when it reveals a lavish autumn colour. It begins with yellow at the very top of the tree, turning to orange, red and then a deep claret colour before it finally falls from the tree.

Unusually this tree will often display this full range of colours on the tree all at the same time, from yellow at the top, right through to claret at the base; it is a simply stunning addition to any scheme.

The spiky-cased fruit appear in autumn and can remain on the tree into winter time; this clone is unusual as it will bear fruit in British conditions, unlike the other varieties of Sweet Gum in production. This Sweet Gum also has a much less corky bark than the species.

Liquidambar stryaciflua Worplesdon forms a regular pyramidal shape at maturity and as such it is important to retain its central leader to ensure the tree has a balanced crown.

This tree won the Award of Garden Merit in both 1987 and 2002 and it is hard to argue with these accolades, as this architecture is simply stunning.

This tree thrives in various soil types, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil.

This large tree is a great choice for gardens and parks, offering a fantastic architectural structure from its uniform shape and unrivalled autumn colour.

This tree works well as a feature specimen tree as it does deserve to steal the limelight in the autumntime.

Mature height:12-17m