Frank P Matthews
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A tree that has been grown in the field and then lifted out of the ground when dormant. Available from November to March. The roots are more open and the direct contact with the soil encourages them to settle in and establish more readily.
These are 2yr old trees that have been grown 1yr in the field and the second in a pot. Container trees can be planted at any time of the year but establish best when planted during the autumn and need to be watered well during the first summer.
If you’re seeking a visually striking, robust, and low-maintenance tree, Liquidambar (Sweet Gum) is a top choice for UK gardens. Known for its architectural elegance and vibrant seasonal shifts, Liquidambar adapts well to diverse soil types and climates, making it versatile and resilient.
Liquidambar trees are famous for their spectacular autumn display. Their star-shaped leaves transform into a rich palette of oranges, reds, and purples, creating a long-lasting display that benefits from cooler British temperatures.
With corky bark and a structured form, Liquidambar adds year-round interest to gardens. The young trees have a pyramidal shape, broadening as they age, and can reach heights of 10-20 meters over several decades. Whether used as a focal point or in mixed plantings, they lend architectural depth to any garden.
Best planted in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, Liquidambar thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade in warmer areas. For optimal health and autumn colour, choose a sheltered spot to protect against strong winds, which may scorch the leaves.
Popular Liquidambar varieties include Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’, known for its reliable autumn colour and narrower form, making it ideal for smaller spaces. ‘Lane Roberts’ stands out with its dark, intense autumn shades of red and purple, while ‘Slender Silhouette’ offers a unique columnar form, perfect for compact gardens, providing dramatic colour without occupying much ground.
Sweet Gum
Glossy, maple-like leaves that turn brilliant crimson, purple and orange in the autumn. Height after 10yr 6m x 3.5m.
Shining maple-like green leaves turning rich, blackish crimson-red in autumn. Height after 10 yrs up to 6m.
The leaves are long and narrowly lobed with persistent, intense, orange-red to deep purple autumn colours.
A recently introduced form, of fastigiate habit. Leaves turn yellow to reddish purple. Height after 10yrs up to 6m.
A reliable form for excellent autumn colours with small, delicate, deeply cut leaves. Height after 10 yrs up to 6m.
Handsome tree with long narrow lobed leaves. Crimson foliage in autumn. Height after 10yrs 6m x 3.5m.
A very good form of this species with the youngest leaves displaying an attractive red colour in autumn.
Reliable deep red/burgundy autumn colours with the added feature of extreme corkiness to its bark.
A compact, deciduous tree with deeply-lobed, mid-green leaves, turning bright orange-red in autumn.
Green star-shaped leaves, edged in white margins. Autumn red/purple colours. Upright growth, typical corky bark.
Glossy green summer leaves with distinctive deep purple and red autumn colour.
A fine, slender, columnar tree. Deeply lobed, star-shaped, dark green leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn.