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About this product
Liquidambar styraciflua Double Standard Espalier
Liquidambar styraciflua
25L pot • Double standard with 70 × 70cm espalier frame
Plant Highlights: Spectacular autumn colour • Architectural espalier form • Distinctive star-shaped foliage • Strong seasonal interest • Ideal for formal gardens and contemporary landscapes
Overview
Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as Sweet Gum, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its outstanding autumn display. Its glossy, star-shaped leaves transform through rich shades of yellow, orange, crimson and deep burgundy before falling, making it one of the finest trees for seasonal colour. Trained as a double standard with a 70 × 70cm espalier frame, it combines striking foliage with a refined architectural form.
This trained specimen is ideal where space is limited but strong visual impact is desired. The espalier framework provides structure throughout the year, while the changing foliage brings dramatic interest from spring through to late autumn.
Why We Love It
- Exceptional autumn foliage in brilliant seasonal colours.
- Elegant double standard and espalier training creates an architectural feature.
- Attractive star-shaped leaves provide texture throughout the growing season.
- Ideal for formal gardens, patios and courtyard planting.
- Excellent specimen for adding height without taking up excessive space.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Liquidambar styraciflua |
| Common Name | Sweet Gum |
| Plant Type | Deciduous tree trained as a double standard espalier |
| Foliage | Glossy, star-shaped green leaves turning vibrant yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn |
| Flower | Small, inconspicuous flowers |
| Flowering Period | Spring |
| Fruit | Rounded, spiky seed capsules may develop on mature trees |
| Growth Habit | Upright tree trained onto a 70 × 70cm espalier frame above two clear stems |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained, preferably slightly acidic soil |
| Mature Height | Maintained by pruning and the trained espalier framework |
| Mature Spread | Determined by the trained frame and regular pruning |
| Exposure | Best in a sheltered or moderately exposed position |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy in Irish gardens. |
Growing Guide
Position
Plant in full sun for the best autumn colour. Choose a sheltered or moderately exposed position where the trained framework can be appreciated.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season while the tree establishes. Once established, provide additional water during extended dry periods, particularly for container-grown specimens.
Soil
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It performs best in slightly acidic soils and should not be planted in areas prone to prolonged waterlogging.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Fully hardy throughout Ireland. Apply a layer of organic mulch each spring to help retain soil moisture and improve soil structure.
Routine Care
Prune during the dormant season to maintain the espalier framework and remove any shoots that develop outside the trained shape. Remove any growth arising from below the trained heads to preserve the double standard form.
Perfect For
- Formal gardens.
- Courtyard gardens.
- Contemporary landscapes.
- Architectural planting.
- Feature planting along paths or boundaries.
- Large decorative containers while young.
Good to Know
The 70 × 70cm measurement refers to the supplied espalier frame. Autumn colour is typically most intense when the tree is grown in full sun and planted in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
Product Information
- Botanical name: Liquidambar styraciflua
- Trained as a double standard with espalier.
- Espalier frame approximately 70 × 70cm.
- Supplied in a 25L nursery pot.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- tree
- Position & light
- Full sun· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Acidic· Well drained· Moist
- Flowering
- Spring· Inconspicuous
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Good for containers
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