Friday, March 7, 2014
Designing The Winter Garden – Creating All Year Interest in the Landscape
Much of the color in a winter garden comes from fruiting trees and shrubs. Along with members of the holly family, fruiting shrubs such as barberry, nandina (heavenly bamboo), callicarpa (beauty bush), vibernum, red chokeberry, winterberry and yew add interest to the garden and supply a food source for birds. Deciduous shrubs such as hydrangea and spirea also add much interest with their full branching structure and left over flower heads that glisten when frosted over. Ornamental grasses when left intact offer color to the winter landscape as well and act as a food source for birds.
When it comes to structure different hardscape items can be used to add interest and dimension to the landscape. The use of strategically placed boulders for example can add some drama and impact to an ordinarily flat landscape. I often use a boulder border on chosen garden beds to add height to an area or add a large rock surrounded by low lying plantings so that in the winter there is added interest. The use of walls, fountains, birdbaths or garden art can add to the winter landscape as well and capture interest all year round. The possibilities in the world of gardening are endless and a garden can be designed for all seasons. I hope you have found this information useful and that you too can add some winter interest to your landscape.
Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
An Impromptu Terrace
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Ranzania
Ranzania
Ranzania japonica
A perennial, reaching up to 1.5 feet, that is native to mountain forests in northern Japan where it is very rate. It is slow to establish and may take over 5 years for form a substantial size clump.
It is the single member of the Barberidaceae genus which includes Barberries and Mahonias.
The attractive ternate leaves are bright green.
The nodding, bright lavender-pink flowers are borne during mid spring.
They are followed by short lasting white berries that are hidden under the foliage.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in partial shade on humus-rich soil. Hardy north to at least zone 6 on a protected site. It is easy to grow in woodland conditions.
Propagation from seed is easy and they are sown immediately after ripening.
Mature plants can be carefully divided.
Read More..
Ranzania japonica
A perennial, reaching up to 1.5 feet, that is native to mountain forests in northern Japan where it is very rate. It is slow to establish and may take over 5 years for form a substantial size clump.
It is the single member of the Barberidaceae genus which includes Barberries and Mahonias.
The attractive ternate leaves are bright green.
The nodding, bright lavender-pink flowers are borne during mid spring.
They are followed by short lasting white berries that are hidden under the foliage.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in partial shade on humus-rich soil. Hardy north to at least zone 6 on a protected site. It is easy to grow in woodland conditions.
Propagation from seed is easy and they are sown immediately after ripening.
Mature plants can be carefully divided.
Point to Keep in Mind While Considering Front Yard Landscaping
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Container Gardening Indoors
First of all a large planter with good drainage is recommended. I usually use a 16 or 20 inch decorative planter with openings in the bottom and use a light potting soil mixture containing a good amount of peat. Then the fun part is I visit the local nursery and select a grouping of plants that have the same requirements for light, water, and general care. If you are not sure which plants to use, it is common practice for nurseries to group plants together with similar requirements, taking away some of the guess work.
 |
| Spathiphyllum |
 |
| Croton Banana |
Surrounding the Spathiphyllum is Croton Banana which does require more light but it does very well in the constant filtered light that this planter receives. I have the Croton more in the front section of the planter that sits across the room from a window so it receives filtered lighting. Figure about three of these plants.
 |
| Alocasia Polly and Arrowhead |
 |
| Aspargus fern (center) |
Whether you are an avid gardener or just appreciate a little green around the house try out one of these indoor container gardens. They will provide lots of enjoyment throughout the entire year. The fun part about them is that you can combine your favorite tropicals to create a fascinating display. To keep the planter looking full I simply change some of the plants out and add some new, which warrants a trip to the nursery...something I have no problem doing in the middle of the colder months!
As Always...Happy Gardening!
Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved
Monday, March 3, 2014
ELEVATED ACRE
Case Study : Elevated Acre or 55 Water Street
The original design was sparse, poorly planned and unused; a blog entry I read called it a “crappy brick plaza.” Goldman Sachs financed the replacement of this plaza in coordination with the Municipal Arts Society in 2005. It is designed by Ken Smith and Rogers/Marvel.
There is one portal into the space, the same portal out. (due to a “financial revision” from the original plan which also called for a 100 person elevator on the northeast corner of the space which was not added, right below the “beacon of Progress”.) The entrance remains a surprise and suspenseful experience, that builds as you enter the space and walk the sloped grade to witness the space, culminating in the grand view of the East River and Brooklyn. Last year it provided a great vantage point to view the entire waterfalls exhibit. Movies are shown on special weeknights as part of the River-to-River Festival in Lower Manhattan.
The design is brilliantly thought out and executed. The plantings are well maintained and always look in excellent form.
I found the majority of the usage is from business people who spend their lunch time there during the work week, bringing take-out food containers with them.. .. They come in droves up the escalators and stairs and find a spot among the mostly sunny seating. Impromptu meetings are also held there. A small portion of the seating is shaded. People seems to enjoy sitting in the sun, whether it be on the amphitheatre, lying on the astro-turf lawn, or sitting on benches. There are tables adjacent to the building and amphitheatre.
After visiting the site a dozen times, I was especially surprised at the respect for the space that visitors have. Park goers go out of their way to dispose of and/or leave with their garbage when they are done. If one container is full, they will search out another so that they might dispose of their trash I the receptacle, rather than just throw it on top of an already full one – unusual for New Yorkers, There is a full-time security person on premises, day and night, weekday and weekend...tend to believe this might also be a reason that the visitors respect the site, keep it safe and clean.
A neighbor of mine walks her dog there on the weekends, and claims barely a sole is there at that time. From a dozen visits at various time is seems evident that the park is used predominantly by business people during the day and into the early evening during the week.. It is a destination for the local wall street workers and not necessarily for those residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Read More..
The original design was sparse, poorly planned and unused; a blog entry I read called it a “crappy brick plaza.” Goldman Sachs financed the replacement of this plaza in coordination with the Municipal Arts Society in 2005. It is designed by Ken Smith and Rogers/Marvel.
There is one portal into the space, the same portal out. (due to a “financial revision” from the original plan which also called for a 100 person elevator on the northeast corner of the space which was not added, right below the “beacon of Progress”.) The entrance remains a surprise and suspenseful experience, that builds as you enter the space and walk the sloped grade to witness the space, culminating in the grand view of the East River and Brooklyn. Last year it provided a great vantage point to view the entire waterfalls exhibit. Movies are shown on special weeknights as part of the River-to-River Festival in Lower Manhattan.
The design is brilliantly thought out and executed. The plantings are well maintained and always look in excellent form.
I found the majority of the usage is from business people who spend their lunch time there during the work week, bringing take-out food containers with them.. .. They come in droves up the escalators and stairs and find a spot among the mostly sunny seating. Impromptu meetings are also held there. A small portion of the seating is shaded. People seems to enjoy sitting in the sun, whether it be on the amphitheatre, lying on the astro-turf lawn, or sitting on benches. There are tables adjacent to the building and amphitheatre.
After visiting the site a dozen times, I was especially surprised at the respect for the space that visitors have. Park goers go out of their way to dispose of and/or leave with their garbage when they are done. If one container is full, they will search out another so that they might dispose of their trash I the receptacle, rather than just throw it on top of an already full one – unusual for New Yorkers, There is a full-time security person on premises, day and night, weekday and weekend...tend to believe this might also be a reason that the visitors respect the site, keep it safe and clean.
A neighbor of mine walks her dog there on the weekends, and claims barely a sole is there at that time. From a dozen visits at various time is seems evident that the park is used predominantly by business people during the day and into the early evening during the week.. It is a destination for the local wall street workers and not necessarily for those residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Patio Fire Pits Increasing in Outdoor Living Trends
I love coming across articles that support the inclusion of fire pits in outdoor living trends. This article our of Charleston, West Virginia is just another example of how the media is taking notice of the increase home improvement and outdoor living nationwide.
Fire pits have been around for centuries, but more and more, we are finding that people are spending their money not on vacations, but rather stay-cations and home improvement, specifically outdoor living spaces.
The inclusion of seating areas, outdoor burning systems, grills, food prep areas and refrigeration units are making their way into the mainstream. The theory is that with the economy the way that it is, people are spending their money with personal investment in mind, rather than blowing it on an extravagant vacation. But investing in outdoor living spaces, homeowners are boosting the value of their homes while at the same time getting to enjoy entertaining family and friends in the comfort of their backyards.
With Labor Day having come and gone and fall weather setting in, the addition of a fire pit also allows you to extend the season by staying warm around the comfort of the flames. If you are into this sort of mindset regarding home improvement, let us know about any questions you may have and well be happy to help you out.
Till next time! Let Warming Trends bring "a warm glow to your patio."
Read More..
Fire pits have been around for centuries, but more and more, we are finding that people are spending their money not on vacations, but rather stay-cations and home improvement, specifically outdoor living spaces.
The inclusion of seating areas, outdoor burning systems, grills, food prep areas and refrigeration units are making their way into the mainstream. The theory is that with the economy the way that it is, people are spending their money with personal investment in mind, rather than blowing it on an extravagant vacation. But investing in outdoor living spaces, homeowners are boosting the value of their homes while at the same time getting to enjoy entertaining family and friends in the comfort of their backyards.
With Labor Day having come and gone and fall weather setting in, the addition of a fire pit also allows you to extend the season by staying warm around the comfort of the flames. If you are into this sort of mindset regarding home improvement, let us know about any questions you may have and well be happy to help you out.
Till next time! Let Warming Trends bring "a warm glow to your patio."
backyard landscaping pictures
If you have a property that youve truly spent a lot of cash for constructing and want that to look at its best, for you personally only should have the best issues in life, however bet youd like to learn some backyard landscaping ideas that can make your dream a real possibility. Here are some of the most useful front yard landscaping ideas that you can use to generate your home seem gorgeous:
Hawaiian isle backyard would actually sound excellent and if you wish to consider getting one particular, you should know which it mainly is made up of many sexy elements as well as nice vibrant colors. Your tropics are very loaded in sun which make them to be really diverse in terms of the plant life and animals. Because of this, you will have to choose a few flowers which are very tinted and have diverse shapes.
Venous originates, big simply leaves, thick origins and so on are only a few of the aspects that you will be capable to incorporate within the design of your own backyard. Sure, I wager that you know the fact the rainwater is very loaded with the tropics, which means you will have to ensure that you will get a good amount of water to make sure theyre moisturized appropriately. But while you will have a really nice and shaded backyard, you may expect uninvited guests, similar to different types of insects and pesky insects.
Opting for the bamboo back garden is a very good option as they will not die and will also be evergreen all year round. You will also never need to worry about these people losing their particular colors, their own leaves or perhaps anything near that. Using a bamboo, you will attract individuals attention and something thing you have to know is that they could grow up to a couple feet substantial, so make sure you plant these people in an satisfactory space. If you will see that they simply got too large, cutting these people and creating chopsticks out of all of them is just a interesting and also good option!
A bonsai tree backyard can be a rare issue indeed and youll have to take special care of all of them. Bonsais are at first from The japanese, and they are produced in tiny pots. You need to have a additional care for them, since they are a little more hypersensitive than some other plants and also trees around.
Because of their measurement, you will definitely feel as if a giant once you will head into your back garden between them. These types of trees also can produce fresh fruits, thus going for a spring bloom landscape photo and also a hillside landscaping image after almost everything will be accomplished, will be merely a great idea!
Hawaiian isle backyard would actually sound excellent and if you wish to consider getting one particular, you should know which it mainly is made up of many sexy elements as well as nice vibrant colors. Your tropics are very loaded in sun which make them to be really diverse in terms of the plant life and animals. Because of this, you will have to choose a few flowers which are very tinted and have diverse shapes.
Venous originates, big simply leaves, thick origins and so on are only a few of the aspects that you will be capable to incorporate within the design of your own backyard. Sure, I wager that you know the fact the rainwater is very loaded with the tropics, which means you will have to ensure that you will get a good amount of water to make sure theyre moisturized appropriately. But while you will have a really nice and shaded backyard, you may expect uninvited guests, similar to different types of insects and pesky insects.
Opting for the bamboo back garden is a very good option as they will not die and will also be evergreen all year round. You will also never need to worry about these people losing their particular colors, their own leaves or perhaps anything near that. Using a bamboo, you will attract individuals attention and something thing you have to know is that they could grow up to a couple feet substantial, so make sure you plant these people in an satisfactory space. If you will see that they simply got too large, cutting these people and creating chopsticks out of all of them is just a interesting and also good option!
A bonsai tree backyard can be a rare issue indeed and youll have to take special care of all of them. Bonsais are at first from The japanese, and they are produced in tiny pots. You need to have a additional care for them, since they are a little more hypersensitive than some other plants and also trees around.
Because of their measurement, you will definitely feel as if a giant once you will head into your back garden between them. These types of trees also can produce fresh fruits, thus going for a spring bloom landscape photo and also a hillside landscaping image after almost everything will be accomplished, will be merely a great idea!
Sweetgums
Liquidambar
A family of 4 species of trees native to Asia and North America which are related to the Witch Hazel. There are also 20 extinct fossilized species which previously grew worldwide during the dinosaur times. The range of those now extinct species included western U.S., Siberia, central Europe and even Greenland.
The Sweetgums are rarely bothered by pests, diseases or deer and are resistant to flood damage, salt, heavy clay and storm winds. While excellent shade trees; it is important to position them where the spiky fruits will not be a nuisance when they fall. Sweetgums also do not enjoy root disturbance so it is recommended to move them very carefully and when they are small. If a Sweetgum suffers root disturbance while transplanting; it may take up to 5 years to get established and finally resume growth.
They prefer full sun on a moist, deep, fertile, well drained, acidic soil.
Propagation can be from softwood cuttings in summer or from seed sown in fall.
Liquidambar acalycina ( Chinese Sweetgum )
A rare vigorous tall tree native to China, that can reach 100 feet in height or more. Based on my own observations I believe it could potentially reach the same size as Liquidambar styraciflua though little data exists on old growth trees in the wild. A tree of 65 x 45 feet is reported to grow in New York City. Some additional records include: 10 years - 23.5 feet; fastest growth rate - 5 feet.
The attractive, very luxuriant, velvety foliage has 3 very pronounced lobes and is up to 8 x 10 inches in size. The foliage is rich maroon red in spring turning to mid green in summer then to fiery red late in fall. The leaves still drop earlier than L. formosana; being before Christmas. The growth continues late in the season which may sometimes present a problem of frost damage on growth that has not hardened off.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 and is hardy to as low as -10 F. The Chinese Sweetgum thrives in the hot humid summers of the eastern and southeast U.S. which mimic its native range.
* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Burgundy Flash
New foliage in spring is deep burgundy red and retains that color all summer. Autumn foliage is also deep burgundy red. Extremely attractive! Reports of zone 5 hardiness though I seriously doubt this tree has been tested much in the midwest.
Liquidambar formosana ( Formosan Sweetgum )
A large straight trunked tree native to mountains in southern China and Taiwan.
Reaching up to 80 feet or more; some records include: growth rate - 5 feet; 5 years - 16 x 12 feet; 15 years - 50 feet; 20 years - 58 feet x 14 inch trunk diameter; largest on record - 200 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet.
The foliage is broadly 3 lobed and up to 6 x 8.5 inches in size. The very shiny leaves have a finely serrated margin and are purple at first turning deep green above and downy below. The leaves turn to deep red very late in the fall.
Foliage remains on the trees often into early January in the Pacific Northwest.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1.5 inches across.
The gray-white bark darkens and becomes fissured as the tree ages.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 and flood tolerant.
Very tolerant of heat, humidity, floods, storms and urban conditions but can be prone to chlorosis on alkaline soil; it thrives as far south as Tampa, Florida.
subsp. Monticola
A full zone hardier to zone 6 with foliage that is purplish in spring turning to deep green in summer then brilliant red in fall. This form thrives well in cool summered southern England as well.
Liquidambar orientalis ( Turkish Sweetgum )
A moderately growing, broad crowned tree native of southwest Turkey that can reach around 50 feet or more. Some records include: growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 100 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
One at the Bologna Botanical Gardens is 100 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
The smooth, matte green leaves are 3 palmate lobed and are up to 4 or rarely 5 x 5 inches. They turn orange and red in the fall.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1 inches across.
The thick, orange-brown bark cracks into small plates.
Hardy from zones 5b to 10 and needs hot summers. Very drought tolerant; I have seen this used as a street tree in Santiago, Chile where rainfall in summer is extremely rare. THIS TREE IS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD DUE TO LOGGING AND HABITAT LOSS. It is a top rated ornamental tree and its use in landscaping is encouraged.
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Liquidambar styraciflua ( Sweet Gum )
A large tree native to bottomland woods of the eastern U.S. from Missouri and Illinois to New Jersey; south to eastern Texas to central Florida. The Sweetgum can reach up to 80 feet or more.
Some records include: growth rate - 6 feet x 1 inch diameter; first year from seed - 16 inches; 5 years - 17 + feet; 6 years - 30 feet; 20 years - 47 x 25 feet; 30 years - 70 x 40 feet; 38 years - 80 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet; largest on record - 200 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. Some of the largest known trees grew in the river valleys of the Neuse River in North Carolina and the Wabash Valley in Illinois. Due to over a century of destruction of our old growth hardwood forest, is unlikely that any forest giants above 150 feet in height or 7.5 feet in diameter remain in the U.S. today.
The Canadian champ ( not native ) is 66 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet at the cemetary in Port Dover, Ontario.
The Sweetgum is very adaptable thriving far from its native range in places such as Santiago, Chile, Vancouver to Cali, eastern Australia and much of Europe. Trees have exceeded 90 feet in England.
A supurb shade tree with a moderately dense canopy; the strong wooded, wind firm Sweetgum is also long lived up to 400 years.
The glossy green leaves are up to 6 x 6 inches or rarely as much as 10 x 7 inches on vigorous shoots. They have 5 or 7 tapered lobes with margins that are finely toothed. Many people compare the shape of the leaves to Starfish. The foliage turns glowing orange, red and purple with often all colors on the same tree over the autumn season. The fall color typically lasts over a long period of time and is even intense in the Deep South and the West Coast. Seed source originating from a subspecies native to the mountains in Mexico is almost evergreen but not as cold hardy.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1.5 inches across that often persist well into winter.
The twigs are red-brown, often with corky wings.
The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed and ridged. The wood weights 37 pounds per square foot.
The wood is used for furniture, interior trim and veneer.
Hardiness varies depending on the seed source of the parent tree. The maximum hardiness ranges are zones 3 to 10. -35 F is the killing point for even the hardiest seed source and clones. It is hardy in cultivation north to southern Ontario and Maine.
The Sweet Gum generally tolerates more winter extremes where summers are hot. They prefer soil PH from 4.5 to 7 and can develop chlorosis in higher PH soil. The Sweet Gum is not salt tolerant and should be kept free of turf competition when young. 60% of seedlings typically die in grassy areas.
* photos taken on April 15 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photo of unknown source on internet
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos of unknown source on internet
* photo taken on Oct 17 2011 in Columbia, MD
* Santiago, Chile photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on Nov 9 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Nov 13 2011 in Columbia, MD
Aurea
yellow striped leaves
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Cherokee
Very cold hardy to -30 F.
* photos taken on Aug 2 2012 in London, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park
Corky
Similar to regular L. styraciflua, except for having very winged stems.
* photos taken on Mar 23 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Festeri
an Australian variety stays green very late in the fall and holds its leaves for much of the winter. The foliage often does color to purplish-red in fall.
Golden Treasure
foliage similar to Silver King but has yellow margins. During fall the foliage often turns orange-red to deep red yet keeping its golden margins.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Gumball
A dwarf form that forms a large domed shrub, reaching a maximum size of 17 x 10 ( rarely over 7 x 6 ) feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 feet.
The foliage turns to intense deep purplish-red over a long period during autumn.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Happidaze
Fast growing, up to 30 x 25 feet in 10 years; eventually much more. The foliage is glossy, deep green turning deep maroon red in autumn. It has well spaced branches and a dense canopy. With no seeds this makes for an excellent shade and street tree.
Hardy north to zone 5
Lane Roberts
Foliage begins changing color after mid summer turning to shades of orange and deep burgundy-red in autumn. The very persistant foliage may cling on the trees until March in the Deep South.
The bark is often smooth, unusual for a Sweetgum.
Moraine
Uniform habit and rapid growing with a very dense canopy. Foliage turns deep burgundy to purple in autumn. Orignating from a northern seed source this is a good selection for winter hardiness.
Palo Alto
Bright orange to red autumn color lasting over a long season.
Rotundiloba
Thick glossy leaves with rounded lobes. Generally seedless and very vigorous in habit; I seen one such tree in northern Virginia in a parking lot planting with no root competition with a growth rate of 5 feet!
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Oct 23 2012 in Harford Co., MD
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Harford Co., MD
Silver King
Rapid growing up to 20 x 15 feet in 10 years, eventually much more. Foliage is green with a broad creamy white margin. In autumn the margins turn to pink as the rest of the leaf turns red. Hardy north to zone 5
* photos taken on May 6 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Slender Silhouette
Better than a Lombardy Poplar; this fast growing columnar tree reaches up to 60 feet or more with a spread of only 3 feet! It is more narrow than the cultivar Fastigiata which reaches up to 12 feet across. Excellent for confined areas. Fruit is rarely produced. Hardy north to zone 5
Variegata
Gray-green leaves splashed with paler green and yellow blotches and streakes.
Worplesdon
Reaches about the same size as species. The long-lobed leaves have fall colors that are purple, orange and yellow, usually all at the same time.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Read More..
A family of 4 species of trees native to Asia and North America which are related to the Witch Hazel. There are also 20 extinct fossilized species which previously grew worldwide during the dinosaur times. The range of those now extinct species included western U.S., Siberia, central Europe and even Greenland.
The Sweetgums are rarely bothered by pests, diseases or deer and are resistant to flood damage, salt, heavy clay and storm winds. While excellent shade trees; it is important to position them where the spiky fruits will not be a nuisance when they fall. Sweetgums also do not enjoy root disturbance so it is recommended to move them very carefully and when they are small. If a Sweetgum suffers root disturbance while transplanting; it may take up to 5 years to get established and finally resume growth.
They prefer full sun on a moist, deep, fertile, well drained, acidic soil.
Propagation can be from softwood cuttings in summer or from seed sown in fall.
Liquidambar acalycina ( Chinese Sweetgum )
A rare vigorous tall tree native to China, that can reach 100 feet in height or more. Based on my own observations I believe it could potentially reach the same size as Liquidambar styraciflua though little data exists on old growth trees in the wild. A tree of 65 x 45 feet is reported to grow in New York City. Some additional records include: 10 years - 23.5 feet; fastest growth rate - 5 feet.
The attractive, very luxuriant, velvety foliage has 3 very pronounced lobes and is up to 8 x 10 inches in size. The foliage is rich maroon red in spring turning to mid green in summer then to fiery red late in fall. The leaves still drop earlier than L. formosana; being before Christmas. The growth continues late in the season which may sometimes present a problem of frost damage on growth that has not hardened off.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 and is hardy to as low as -10 F. The Chinese Sweetgum thrives in the hot humid summers of the eastern and southeast U.S. which mimic its native range.
* photo taken on April 11 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Burgundy Flash
New foliage in spring is deep burgundy red and retains that color all summer. Autumn foliage is also deep burgundy red. Extremely attractive! Reports of zone 5 hardiness though I seriously doubt this tree has been tested much in the midwest.
Liquidambar formosana ( Formosan Sweetgum )
A large straight trunked tree native to mountains in southern China and Taiwan.
Reaching up to 80 feet or more; some records include: growth rate - 5 feet; 5 years - 16 x 12 feet; 15 years - 50 feet; 20 years - 58 feet x 14 inch trunk diameter; largest on record - 200 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet.
The foliage is broadly 3 lobed and up to 6 x 8.5 inches in size. The very shiny leaves have a finely serrated margin and are purple at first turning deep green above and downy below. The leaves turn to deep red very late in the fall.
Foliage remains on the trees often into early January in the Pacific Northwest.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1.5 inches across.
The gray-white bark darkens and becomes fissured as the tree ages.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 and flood tolerant.
Very tolerant of heat, humidity, floods, storms and urban conditions but can be prone to chlorosis on alkaline soil; it thrives as far south as Tampa, Florida.
subsp. Monticola
A full zone hardier to zone 6 with foliage that is purplish in spring turning to deep green in summer then brilliant red in fall. This form thrives well in cool summered southern England as well.
Liquidambar orientalis ( Turkish Sweetgum )
A moderately growing, broad crowned tree native of southwest Turkey that can reach around 50 feet or more. Some records include: growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 100 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
One at the Bologna Botanical Gardens is 100 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
The smooth, matte green leaves are 3 palmate lobed and are up to 4 or rarely 5 x 5 inches. They turn orange and red in the fall.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1 inches across.
The thick, orange-brown bark cracks into small plates.
Hardy from zones 5b to 10 and needs hot summers. Very drought tolerant; I have seen this used as a street tree in Santiago, Chile where rainfall in summer is extremely rare. THIS TREE IS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED IN THE WILD DUE TO LOGGING AND HABITAT LOSS. It is a top rated ornamental tree and its use in landscaping is encouraged.
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Liquidambar styraciflua ( Sweet Gum )
A large tree native to bottomland woods of the eastern U.S. from Missouri and Illinois to New Jersey; south to eastern Texas to central Florida. The Sweetgum can reach up to 80 feet or more.
Some records include: growth rate - 6 feet x 1 inch diameter; first year from seed - 16 inches; 5 years - 17 + feet; 6 years - 30 feet; 20 years - 47 x 25 feet; 30 years - 70 x 40 feet; 38 years - 80 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet; largest on record - 200 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. Some of the largest known trees grew in the river valleys of the Neuse River in North Carolina and the Wabash Valley in Illinois. Due to over a century of destruction of our old growth hardwood forest, is unlikely that any forest giants above 150 feet in height or 7.5 feet in diameter remain in the U.S. today.
The Canadian champ ( not native ) is 66 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet at the cemetary in Port Dover, Ontario.
The Sweetgum is very adaptable thriving far from its native range in places such as Santiago, Chile, Vancouver to Cali, eastern Australia and much of Europe. Trees have exceeded 90 feet in England.
A supurb shade tree with a moderately dense canopy; the strong wooded, wind firm Sweetgum is also long lived up to 400 years.
The glossy green leaves are up to 6 x 6 inches or rarely as much as 10 x 7 inches on vigorous shoots. They have 5 or 7 tapered lobes with margins that are finely toothed. Many people compare the shape of the leaves to Starfish. The foliage turns glowing orange, red and purple with often all colors on the same tree over the autumn season. The fall color typically lasts over a long period of time and is even intense in the Deep South and the West Coast. Seed source originating from a subspecies native to the mountains in Mexico is almost evergreen but not as cold hardy.
The flowers are greenish yellow and inconspicuous. They appear in spring as the leaves emerge.
They are followed by spiky rounded brown fruit clusters up to 1.5 inches across that often persist well into winter.
The twigs are red-brown, often with corky wings.
The gray-brown bark is deeply furrowed and ridged. The wood weights 37 pounds per square foot.
The wood is used for furniture, interior trim and veneer.
Hardiness varies depending on the seed source of the parent tree. The maximum hardiness ranges are zones 3 to 10. -35 F is the killing point for even the hardiest seed source and clones. It is hardy in cultivation north to southern Ontario and Maine.
The Sweet Gum generally tolerates more winter extremes where summers are hot. They prefer soil PH from 4.5 to 7 and can develop chlorosis in higher PH soil. The Sweet Gum is not salt tolerant and should be kept free of turf competition when young. 60% of seedlings typically die in grassy areas.
* photos taken on April 15 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photo of unknown source on internet
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos of unknown source on internet
* photo taken on Oct 17 2011 in Columbia, MD
* Santiago, Chile photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken on Nov 9 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Nov 13 2011 in Columbia, MD
Aurea
yellow striped leaves
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Cherokee
Very cold hardy to -30 F.
* photos taken on Aug 2 2012 in London, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park
Corky
Similar to regular L. styraciflua, except for having very winged stems.
* photos taken on Mar 23 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Festeri
an Australian variety stays green very late in the fall and holds its leaves for much of the winter. The foliage often does color to purplish-red in fall.
Golden Treasure
foliage similar to Silver King but has yellow margins. During fall the foliage often turns orange-red to deep red yet keeping its golden margins.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Gumball
A dwarf form that forms a large domed shrub, reaching a maximum size of 17 x 10 ( rarely over 7 x 6 ) feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 feet.
The foliage turns to intense deep purplish-red over a long period during autumn.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Happidaze
Fast growing, up to 30 x 25 feet in 10 years; eventually much more. The foliage is glossy, deep green turning deep maroon red in autumn. It has well spaced branches and a dense canopy. With no seeds this makes for an excellent shade and street tree.
Hardy north to zone 5
Lane Roberts
Foliage begins changing color after mid summer turning to shades of orange and deep burgundy-red in autumn. The very persistant foliage may cling on the trees until March in the Deep South.
The bark is often smooth, unusual for a Sweetgum.
Moraine
Uniform habit and rapid growing with a very dense canopy. Foliage turns deep burgundy to purple in autumn. Orignating from a northern seed source this is a good selection for winter hardiness.
Palo Alto
Bright orange to red autumn color lasting over a long season.
Rotundiloba
Thick glossy leaves with rounded lobes. Generally seedless and very vigorous in habit; I seen one such tree in northern Virginia in a parking lot planting with no root competition with a growth rate of 5 feet!
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Oct 23 2012 in Harford Co., MD
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Harford Co., MD
Silver King
Rapid growing up to 20 x 15 feet in 10 years, eventually much more. Foliage is green with a broad creamy white margin. In autumn the margins turn to pink as the rest of the leaf turns red. Hardy north to zone 5
* photos taken on May 6 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Slender Silhouette
Better than a Lombardy Poplar; this fast growing columnar tree reaches up to 60 feet or more with a spread of only 3 feet! It is more narrow than the cultivar Fastigiata which reaches up to 12 feet across. Excellent for confined areas. Fruit is rarely produced. Hardy north to zone 5
Variegata
Gray-green leaves splashed with paler green and yellow blotches and streakes.
Worplesdon
Reaches about the same size as species. The long-lobed leaves have fall colors that are purple, orange and yellow, usually all at the same time.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
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