BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Mail order trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers

Description

A remarkable form of sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum ball' is usually grafted as a standard and grows with a 'lollipop' shape and a dense, compact, bushy head of branches. The leaves are green, turning vivid shades of orange-red in autumn before falling. A striking cultivar, very suited for small gardens.

Important: Our plants are usually sold at the size stated below . Larger plants with a taller stem (up to 6 ft tall) are available for order by calling our office on (01530) 413700. Larger plants are more expensive, depending upon the height of stem required and may take several weeks to become available.

Supplied Size: 3L container (30 - 40 cm tall)

• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum ball' will grow well in most areas but will produce its most bright and vivid autumn colour in lime free or acidic soils.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Young plants can suffer die back after very severe late spring frosts, but usually recover well.
• Rate of Growth: Slow.
• Habit: Very small tree or even a shrub with a compact, densely branched head.
  • Height: 2.5 m (8 ft).
  • Spread: 2 m (6 ft).

• Notes: Larger plants are available for special order which have been grafted on to tall, straight stems. These are more expensive but give this Liquidambar a more architectural appearance - featuring a straight main trunk and a rounded, bushy head once established. . Please call our office on (01530) 413700 for more information.