BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Growers of rare trees & shrubs

Description

Rare selection with a a narrow upright habit, Liquidambar styraciflua 'Fastigiata' has dark green leaves through spring / summer, followed by vivid orange and red autumn colours once established. Although not as narrow as the Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette', this nevertheless grows to be a handsome tree which is ideal for gardens with limited space.

Features

• Common name: Sweet Gum.
• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Fastigiata' 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: Moderate to vigorous.
• Habit: Medium sized tree with a narrow, conical crown.
• Height: 15 m (50 ft).
• Spread: 5 m (16 ft).
• Notes: The autumn colour of individual plants will vary according to weather and in particular the pH of your soil. The best, most vivid colours will occur in lime-free or acid soils. A liberal annual application of flowers of sulphur around the base of a Liquidambar, at a rate of up to 2 oz. per square yard on neutral or slightly alkaline soils will slowly lower the pH and intensify the autumn colour!
• Supplied Size: 80 - 100 cm tall in 5L containers