'Thea' Liquidambar Tree
Spectacular autumn colour
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Plant diary
- Flower
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'Thea' Liquidambar Tree
- Thea is a beautifully shaped Sweetgum tree known for its spectacular autumn colours
- Shining green maple-like summer leaves transform to shades of scarlet, crimson and orange in autumn, with clusters of bristly gum balls remaining on the tree throughout the winter
- RHS Plants for Pollinators designated - provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects
- A striking specimen tree for a large open space, providing year-round interest
- Thea's neat pyramidal habit makes pruning easier - generally a low maintenance tree, it has excellent pest and disease resistance
- Sweetgum trees have attractive fissured bark that develops deep ridges as the tree matures. The name 'Sweetgum' comes from the sticky, sweetly fragrant resin they produce if cut.
- Grows up to 20m but can be pruned to fit any garden
- Our trees are usually between 18 and 36 months old at the time of dispatch.
- Our trees are professionally pruned before dispatching.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, 'Thea' Liquidambar Tree can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The 'Thea' Liquidambar Tree grows to a height of 10 to 12 metres, with a spread of 6 to 8 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
'Thea' Liquidambar Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
'Thea' Liquidambar Tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
'Thea' Liquidambar Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
'Thea' Liquidambar Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
The 'Thea' liquidambar holds an RHS hardiness rating of H6, making it fully hardy in the UK and able to survive temperatures down to -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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