Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon'

Common name: Sweet Gum 'Worplesdon'

Description: This exceptional British-raised cultivar of the American sweet gum is one of the finest choices for reliable autumn colour in UK gardens. In autumn, the distinctive star-shaped leaves transform into a spectacular blend of orange, red, purple, and yellow, often displaying multiple colours simultaneously to create a tapestry effect. The autumn display is particularly reliable, colouring well even in mild seasons, and the intensity of colour rivals the best Japanese maples. The glossy, deeply lobed leaves are especially attractive through summer, providing excellent shade and creating a maple-like effect. The tree develops an elegant conical to pyramidal habit that provides good structure year-round, and mature specimens develop attractive corky bark that adds winter interest. 'Worplesdon' demonstrates excellent vigour and adaptability to British growing conditions, having been selected and proven here. The combination of spectacular multi-coloured autumn display, attractive summer foliage, and elegant form makes this an outstanding specimen tree for creating seasonal drama and year-round structure.

Other benefits: exceptional reliable autumn colour, pyramidal habit, attractive deeply-lobed foliage, corky bark, fast-growing, British-raised selection, excellent specimen tree

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter and nesting sites for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 5m x 3m

Position: full sun to partial shade; autumn colour best in full sun

Soil pH: prefers neutral to acidic conditions; dislikes very alkaline soils

Moisture: moderate to high watering required; prefers consistently moist soil; benefits from regular watering

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -25°C