Liquidambar styraciflua 'Midwest Sunset'

RHS Plant Profile
sweet gum 'Midwest Sunset'

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A deciduous tree to 15m tall, broadly conical in outline. The large maple-like, lobed leaves, turn many shades of yellow, red, orange and purple in autumn. Insignificant flowers in late spring are followed by spiky fruit capsules in autumn, which can remain on the tree into winter. Older branches take on a corky, winged appearance.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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 lime-free, 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-hardwood cuttings

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