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Liquidambar styraciflua 'Variegata' Overeynder (v)

sweet gum 'Variegata'

A deciduous tree with a branching pyramidal habit, growing to about 15m. Deeply divided, maple-like, pale green leaves are striped and mottled yellow, flushed pink when young, turning to shades of vivid red, orange and purple in autumn. Insignificant late spring flowers are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn. Branches develop a corky, winged appearance with age

Synonyms
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Golden'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea'
see moreLiquidambar styraciflua 'Goduzam'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gold Dust'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Aurea Variegata'
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Foliis Aureo-Variegatis'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Pink
Summer Green Yellow
Autumn Purple Red Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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 moist but well-drained, neutral to acid, moderately fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade. Suitable for woodlands or as a specimen tree. Full sun brings out the best autumn colour - see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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