Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver King' (v)
sweet gum 'Silver King'
A large, upright, conical tree. The five-lobed leaves have irregular, creamy-white margins, spreading into the leaves to create grey-green areas, and developing a pink flush in late summer. Leaves turn purple and dark red in autumn, but retain the pale border. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by burr-like fruit that stay on the tree through winter
Synonyms
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Silver Knight'Liquidambar styraciflua 'Variegata' misapplied
see moreLiquidambar styraciflua 'Albomarginata'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Argenteovariegata'
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green Variegated White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Variegated White Grey Silver Green Pink | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red Variegated White | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, preferably acid or neutral, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun for best autumn colour
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, or by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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