Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto'

Rare in the United Kingdom, Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto' has a reasonably upright habit and brilliant orange-red autumn colour. This leaf colour is similar in appearance to that of some Japanese Maples, turning a darker red before falling.

A handsome tree with lovely mottled autumn colour.

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto' 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: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto' grows to be a medium sized tree with a neat, pyramidal form.
  • Height: 15 m (50 ft).
  • Spread: 12 m (40 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!