Liquidamber styr. Worplesdon

Liquidamber styr. Worplesdon

Why Buy Me?

• Great Autumn foliage
• Shapely
• Fast growing

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun. Requires a bright, open position to develop its best autumn colour. Will tolerate very light shade, but autumn foliage may be less intense.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Grows well in loamy or sandy soils. Avoid shallow, chalky, or waterlogged ground. Benefits from rich, organic matter.

Exposure:
Performs best in sheltered or moderately exposed sites. Hardy, frost-hardy once established but young trees may need some protection from late spring frosts.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Young trees need consistent moisture; mature specimens can tolerate occasional dry spells but perform best with regular watering during extended drought.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in autumn or early spring when the soil is moist and workable. Choose a sheltered spot to avoid wind damage to young foliage.

Spacing:
Allow at least 6–10 metres (20–33 feet) between trees. Reaches a mature height of 15–20 metres (50–65 feet) with a spread of 6–10 metres (20–33 feet). Develops a strong central leader with a broadly conical or rounded crown.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water well in the first few years to establish a deep root system. Mature trees benefit from deep watering in dry summers. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring if needed for vigour.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and improve soil. Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or weak branches. Best pruned in late winter or early spring. Naturally forms a tidy, upright shape.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Glossy, lobed green leaves emerge in mid- to late spring. New shoots are attractive with reddish tints. Flowers are inconspicuous.

Summer:
Dark green, star-shaped leaves provide a bold and glossy texture. Canopy offers light dappled shade and strong visual structure.

Autumn:
Spectacular autumn colour ranging from yellow and orange to crimson, purple, and deep red. 'Worplesdon' is known for its particularly reliable and vibrant autumn display, even in cooler climates.

Winter:
Distinctive corky bark and well-branched silhouette add structural interest. Older specimens develop ornamental ridges along stems and trunks.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Leaves may provide shelter for insects and the canopy offers nesting opportunities for birds. Seeds in spiky capsules are occasionally used by wildlife, though less so than native trees.

Garden Use:
Excellent specimen tree for large gardens, lawns, avenues, or parkland settings. Particularly valued for its architectural shape and reliable autumn colour. Suitable for modern or traditional garden styles.

Companion Plants:
Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials like Hellebores, Ferns, Pulmonaria, or ornamental grasses. Combines beautifully with other autumn-interest plants such as Acer palmatum, Nyssa sylvatica, and Cornus sanguinea.