Liquidambar 'Worplesdon'

Sometimes known as the Alligator tree, this stunning Sweet Gum will turn your autumn garden into a fantasy of colour. The alligator reference comes from the bark which is fissured and corky. This bark is ideal to create a collage of bark rubbings, a fascinating holiday project to get children interested in nature.

Sweet Gum tree offers glossy green star-shaped leaves through the summer. As the weather cools, the foliage turns to a brilliant purple and then into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and claret red, creating a mesmerising display in your garden. In the spring, inconspicuous yellow flowers appear which are followed by round, spiky fruit cases. The fruit can be rather messy when it falls, so be prepared to do a clean up every now and then.

The Worplesdon is a hardy tree that thrives well in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It will grow in most soil types but should not be allowed to dry out. It will reach a height of around 25m with a pyramidal shape over a 20 year period. To ensure that you get the most vibrant colours, plant your Sweet Gum in full sun.

Pruning is best done in the winter. The lower branches can be removed to create space for a walkway or picnic area underneath the tree.

This tree offers one of the most spectacular autumn displays and should become a part of your medium to large sized garden.