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Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum - Evergreen Trees Direct

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

$110.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 100L 200L 300L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

30 cm / 33 cm: 1.3m – 2.5m Approx.
40 cm / 45 L: 2m – 2.5 m Approx.
100 L: 2.1 m – 3.5 m Approx.
300 L: 3.4m – 4m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m - 25m Approximately

Mature Width: Up to 10 meters

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is expected to grow Approx 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua, the Sweetgum, is one of the most spectacular autumn-colour trees available for Australian gardens. The glossy star-shaped foliage holds rich green through summer, then transitions to a brilliant blend of yellow, orange, red and deep burgundy in autumn, often holding colour for several weeks.

Sweetgum grows to 12-20 metres tall and 8-12 metres wide with an upright pyramidal form that broadens with age. The straight trunk, strong branching, and dependable colour make it an excellent shade tree and feature specimen for medium to large gardens, parks, and avenue plantings.

Sweetgum performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA, where cool autumns produce the strongest colour. It tolerates frost and moderate drought once established. Keep it clear of paving, as the spiky seed pods drop in autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

How tall does Sweetgum grow?

Liquidambar styraciflua grows to 12-20 metres tall and 8-12 metres wide with an upright pyramidal form that broadens with age.

How fast does Sweetgum grow?

Sweetgum is moderately fast-growing, adding 60cm to 1 metre per year once established.

When does Sweetgum turn colour?

Glossy green star-shaped foliage transitions to a spectacular blend of yellow, orange, red and deep burgundy in autumn (April to June across southern Australia), often holding colour for several weeks.

Is Sweetgum deciduous?

Yes. Sweetgum is fully deciduous, dropping its colourful autumn foliage in winter to reveal a sculptural branching structure.

Is Sweetgum suitable for residential gardens?

Sweetgum suits medium to large gardens, parks, and street planting due to its mature size. Allow room for the canopy and keep it clear of paving, as the spiky seed pods drop in autumn.

Where does Sweetgum grow best in Australia?

Sweetgum performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA, where cool autumns produce the strongest colour.

How far apart should I plant Sweetgum for an avenue?

Plant 5-8 metres apart for a full canopy avenue, or 4 metres for a denser shade screen.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

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Type:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Avenue Planting
Street Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes
Shade Tree

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Evergreen or Deciduous?

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m - 25m Approximately

Mature Width: Up to 10 meters

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is expected to grow Approx 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is expected to grow Approx 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

Is Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum frost tolerant?

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Flower?

Liquidambar styraciflua produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring. Male catkins and rounded female clusters form quietly among the emerging leaves, with the tree’s standout ornamental appeal coming instead from its brilliant multi-coloured autumn foliage.

Does Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum an Australian Native Tree?

No

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is Native to Eastern North America, from the United States into Mexico and Central America, where it grows naturally in moist forests and lowlands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum ?

Its flowers attract small pollinating insects, while the dense summer canopy provides excellent shelter and foraging habitat for small birds. The spiky seed pods also support insects and microfauna, contributing to biodiversity in woodland, suburban and parkland-style gardens.

How much Sunlight does Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum need?

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Liquidambar styraciflua performs best in deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions to achieve its strongest autumn colour. It may struggle in compacted clay or alkaline soils unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and soil structure. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support root depth, healthy growth and vibrant seasonal colour.

Is Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Drought Tolerant?

Is Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Sweetgum develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in warm, temperate climates and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain canopy density, steady growth and strong autumn colour.

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How To Plant Your Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

How to Plant:

Select an Ideal Location: Choose a well-drained planting site with exposure to full sun or partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile and well-aerated.
Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the tree, ensuring it's level with the ground.
Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

Feature Planting: Space 6 – 8 m apart to showcase canopy shape

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable

Avenue Planting: Space 8 – 10 m apart for formal alignment and full canopy development

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum is expected to grow Approx 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum

Caring for Your Sweetgum Tree:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the tree's early years.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed; remove dead or damaged branches during dormancy.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Planting Your Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum in Different Soil

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

This tree prefers well-drained, moist soils but adapts to a variety of conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains less moisture, so mulch and add organic matter to improve water retention.

Clay Soil: Can compact easily—improve drainage with compost and sand.

Loamy Soil: The ideal soil type for strong root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Prefers slightly acidic soil, but adapts to neutral and slightly alkaline soils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: How fast does the Sweetgum tree grow?
A: Sweetgum trees have a moderate growth rate and can take several years to reach maturity.

Q: Do Sweetgum trees require special care during the winter?
A: While they can withstand winter conditions well, it's advisable to protect young trees from frost or cold snaps.

Q: Are Sweetgum trees prone to pests or diseases?
A: Sweetgum trees can sometimes be affected by pests like scale insects and diseases like canker, but they are generally hardy when adequately cared for.

Q: What should I do if the tree experiences leaf drop in summer?
A: Leaf drop in summer can occur due to stress or drought. Ensure the tree receives adequate water and care during hot months to prevent this issue.