Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' 12ltr pot

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' – Sweet Gum – 12ltr Pot

Few trees can match 'Lane Roberts' for autumn drama. This Award of Garden Merit sweet gum holds glossy, star-shaped, maple-like leaves through spring and summer. As the season turns, they shift to a deep, almost blackish crimson that lasts for weeks rather than days. Once the leaves fall, the corky ridged twigs and furrowed bark give quiet structure through winter. It makes a superb specimen tree for a larger garden, where its broad, well-shaped crown has room to develop.

Plant in full sun for the richest autumn colour, although it will tolerate partial shade. It does best in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, and copes with clay, loam or sand. Avoid chalky or strongly alkaline ground, where leaves can yellow. It is fully hardy (RHS H6) and handles exposed or sheltered sites. Water well through its first few summers while the roots establish. Little pruning is needed beyond removing crossing or damaged branches in the dormant season. Sweet gum is not considered toxic to people or pets. After a warm summer it may produce spiky, burr-like seed balls, so plant it away from lawns and paths where they could be a nuisance. Expect a height of 12m or more and a spread of over 8m within 10–20 years, so allow plenty of space from buildings.

Supplied in a 12 litre pot. Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.