Liquidambar styraciflua 'Stared' 12ltr pot

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Stared' – Star-Leaved Sweet Gum – 12ltr Pot

'Stared' has the most finely cut foliage of the sweet gums. Its glossy leaves are deeply divided into slender, pointed lobes, which gives the whole tree a light, lacy texture from spring onwards. In autumn the canopy turns vivid red, orange and rich purple. It grows more slowly than many sweet gums, forming a dense, branching pyramid that keeps a handsome, well-balanced outline as it matures. It makes an elegant specimen for a lawn or larger border, and its distinctive leaves bring interest long before the autumn display begins. Also sold as 'Red Star' or 'Stella'.

Plant in full sun for the richest autumn colour, although it will tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil and grows in clay, loam or sand. Avoid chalky or strongly alkaline ground. It is fully hardy (RHS H6) and suits exposed or sheltered sites. It dislikes prolonged drought, so water well through dry spells, especially in its first few summers. Pruning is rarely needed; if you do need to shape it, do so in late winter before the buds break. Sweet gum is not considered toxic to people or pets. Spiky seed capsules can follow in autumn and often persist through winter. Expect it to reach 12m or more over 20–50 years, with the RHS giving an eventual spread of over 8m.

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