LIQUIDAMBAR

Sweetgum

Liquidambar, or Sweet Gum, is a majestic tree, reaching over 20 metres in height when fully matured. It produces one of the best autumnal displays when its five lobed leaves – a bit like a maple – turn purple, crimson and burgundy. If you love this tree but like most of us don’t have the space, an alternative is ‘Gum Ball’.

Gum Ball is a dwarf shrubby version of the tree – it is also sometimes grafted on to a standard stem to create a lollipop shape. It will grow to around 3 metres over time, with a compact, rounded head.

Shrubs and trees which can be kept tightly clipped into topiary shapes are always good candidates for the small garden. Laurel, bay, yew, holly, lonicera nitida and privet can all be transformed into a neat lollipop, pyramid or other shapes, and kept to size with a regular pruning regime. They are best suited to a formal-style garden and work well in front gardens.