Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'

< An unusual tree, Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba' has interesting leaves with three rounded lobes (usually), dark green in spring and summer turning orange or purple before falling in autumn. The leaves on the specimen plant in our gardens here usually colour up late in autumn and hang on into winter.

A hardy, medium sized tree with best autumn colour usually seen if planted in plenty of sunlight with some shelter from strong winds.

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile soil.  Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'  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.
• Habit:  Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'  grows to be a small to medium sized, upright tree.
  • Height: 10 - 12 m (32 - 40 ft).
  • Spread: 6 m (20 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!