LIQUIDAMBER STYRACIFLUA GUMBALL

Planting Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

To ensure the best growth and longevity, it’s essential to plant your Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball' in the right conditions.

• Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot for planting. Full sun encourages vibrant autumn foliage. Ensure the location is sheltered from strong winds, as this will help maintain the tree’s rounded shape.
• Soil: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand, as long as the drainage is good.
• Planting Time: The best time to plant is during spring or autumn, giving the tree ample time to establish before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Height and Spread

• Height: Liquidambar 'Gumball' typically reaches a height of 1.5-2 meters (5-6.5 feet), making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a feature plant in containers.
• Spread: The tree has a rounded, bushy growth habit with a spread of about 1.5 meters (5 feet), giving it a symmetrical, globe-like appearance.

Maintenance Tips for Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

While this ornamental tree is relatively low-maintenance, following these care tips will ensure it thrives in your garden:

• Watering: During the first year after planting, water regularly to help establish a deep and robust root system. Once established, the tree becomes more drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth. Liquidambar trees are not heavy feeders, but a yearly application of fertilizer will keep them looking their best.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree’s compact, rounded shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. Minimal pruning is needed due to the natural spherical shape of the 'Gumball.'
• Mulching: Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from the trunk to avoid rot.
• Pest and Disease Control: Liquidambar 'Gumball' is generally pest-free and resistant to diseases. However, it's a good practice to check regularly for signs of pests like aphids or scale insects and treat them promptly with organic insecticides if necessary.

Seasonal Care for Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Spring and Summer Care

In the spring, inspect your tree for any winter damage and prune lightly to maintain its shape. As new growth emerges, apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage and strong branches. Throughout the summer, water your tree during dry periods, especially if it's planted in a container.

Autumn Care

Autumn is when your Liquidambar 'Gumball' truly shines, as its foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple. Reduce watering in the autumn as the tree enters dormancy. Enjoy the stunning display of fall colors, which make this tree a centerpiece in any landscape.

Winter Care

This tree is hardy, but if you live in an area prone to severe frost, consider wrapping the base with horticultural fleece or adding extra mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid watering during freezing conditions.

Key Maintenance Points for Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

• Watering: Regular watering in the first year, then occasional deep watering during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for optimal growth.
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree's shape.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Pest Control: Generally pest-free, but monitor for aphids or scale insects.

Benefits of Growing Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Compact and Ornamental

One of the main benefits of Liquidambar 'Gumball' is its compact size and ornamental appearance. It is perfect for smaller gardens or for planting in large containers, providing a stunning feature tree that doesn’t take up much space. Its symmetrical globe-like shape adds a touch of formality and structure to any garden design.

Spectacular Autumn Foliage

The standout feature of this tree is its breathtaking autumn foliage. The leaves turn a kaleidoscope of colors, transitioning from green to fiery reds, oranges, and purples. This seasonal transformation adds beauty and interest to your garden, making it a wonderful tree for creating autumnal displays.

Low Maintenance

Once established, Liquidambar 'Gumball' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and being highly drought-tolerant. Its pest and disease resistance also makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a hassle-free ornamental tree.

Planting and Care Summary

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball' is an ideal choice for adding color and structure to smaller gardens or patio spaces. With its unique rounded form and stunning autumn colors, it’s sure to be a highlight in any landscape.

• Height and Spread: Grows up to 1.5-2 meters tall with a spread of 1.5 meters.
• Watering: Regular watering in the first year, then minimal watering once established.
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter to maintain shape.
• Mulching: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With its eye-catching autumn display and low-maintenance care requirements, the Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball' is a perfect addition to your garden, offering beauty and structure year-round.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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