MONTY’S PLANT OF THE WEEK

sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

As we approach bonfire night it is appropriate to celebrate one of the most spectacular autumn displays any garden could have. The sweet gum is one of the most brilliantly coloured of all trees, with crimson leaves in autumn. It was introduced to this country from its native habitat in the eastern US in the 17th century. It likes a sunny position with moist but welldrained, preferably acidic soil and will make a large tree over 20m tall. The best varieties for colour are ‘Lane Roberts’ and ‘Worplesdon’, which has leaves that are divided into long, narrow lobes.