Liquidambar, flamboyant in fall

Partager

0

Clean, sharply cut leaves that catch fire as the days shorten, running through gold, fire red, amber and deep purple tones. Liquidambar, better known as sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), is a North American tree grown for that autumn blaze. Give it full sun and a spacious, well-drained place, and it becomes the finest tree in the garden.

Also called sweetgum, it additionally is very easy to grow and it will quickly become one of the most beautiful trees in the garden.

Planting liquidambar

It is recommended to plant your liquidambar in fall to allow for root development before winter.

You can also plant in spring those specimens that have been purchased in containers.

• Favor a spacious place so that you may bring out the best in the marvelous silhouette of the liquidambar.
  Sun is almost mandatory for the amazing range of colors that it boasts to shine.
• Liquidambar loves deep soil, but can still do fine in any type of soil, as long as it drains well.
• A good layer of mulch about an inch (a couple centimeters) thick is wished for.

Pruning liquidambar

Liquidambar isn’t a tree you should prune, unless you haven’t any other choice.

• Pruning isn’t recommended but possible
• Eliminate dead, weak and damaged branches regularly when you notice them.

• Avoid cutting back the central leader, since liquidambar builds its pyramidal silhouette around a single dominant trunk; removing the leading shoot usually invites competing, forked stems and a less shapely crown.
• If you need clearance underneath, lift the crown by taking off one or two low branches at a time rather than stripping the trunk in one go.

Watering liquidambar

During the first years of its life, liquidambar requires regular watering.

On top of the mulch that should help retain a good level of moisture, feel free to water in case of elevated temperatures.

• Water slowly at the base so moisture soaks through the root ball; a brief sprinkle often wets only the mulch and surface soil, much of it evaporating before reaching deeper roots.
• Shaping a shallow basin of soil around a newly planted tree keeps each watering over the roots instead of running off.
• Pull the mulch back a hand’s width from the trunk so the bark stays dry.
• Many established trees develop root systems extensive enough to live on normal rainfall, so extra watering is usually needed only in prolonged drought, though needs vary with species, soil, and local climate.

Liquidambar care through the year

The tree asks for very little once established, but each task has its own moment. Here is what to do, and when.

Beyond these few gestures, the tree largely looks after itself.

Learn more about liquidambar

There isn’t much more to say, except that liquidambar is an amazing tree in fall with its unique purple tones that will inflame your garden.

Native to North America, it is also known as the American storax or sweetgum.

Easy to care for, its clean, sharp leaves and autumn colors make it one of the most beautiful trees all year long.

Smart tip about liquidambar

Growth is relatively slow. Adding fertilizer won’t speed it up, however, regular amendments that increase organic matter content, for instance those based on manure and/or seaweed, will actively support the proper growth of the tree.