Liquidambar

Description: 'Gum Ball', also called Sweet Gum Gum Ball is the perfect tree for small gardens! Mid green, maple-like leaves persist for a long time and turn shades of yellow, orange, red and burgundy before falling in winter. Inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring develop into spiny, spherical, green fruit during autumn. Usually forms a ball-shaped canopy with little or no pruning, but can be pruned in winter, when the deeply ribbed grey bark provides some extra interest.

History: A dwarf cultivar of the North American native deciduous tree Liquidambar styraciflua it was discovered in Tennessee in 1965 and grafted onto a clear stem to create an attractive round crown.

Liquidamber Growing Tips: Liquidambar should be planted in full sun to achieve their best colour, in neutral to acid soil that is moist but well-drained. Once the trees mature, they tolerate occasional drought as well as periodic flooding. Protect from frost when young.

Height and Spread (after 10 years): 2.5m x 2m