American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball'

Water

The American Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply every week to ten days during its growing season, depending on the weather conditions. Early morning watering is most beneficial, targeting the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of leaf diseases. Use enough water to soak the root zone, which may equate to 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency of watering but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the tree is dormant.

Light

The American Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day. It can tolerate partial shade, but for optimal growth and development of its fall foliage color, a location with full sun exposure is recommended. Planting it in an open area with abundant sunlight will help ensure the health and vibrancy of the tree.

Temperature

The American Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can survive minimum temperatures down to around -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best when the temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. This tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, and it is essential to avoid planting it in locations where temperatures drop below its cold tolerance range.

Pruning

Prune the American Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' to maintain its round shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's usually sufficient to prune this tree every two to three years, inspecting it annually for any necessary maintenance pruning. When pruning, make clean cuts and avoid leaving stubs to promote healthy regrowth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' thrives in acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A peat-based soil mix with perlite and compost is beneficial, providing good drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter can also support its growth.

Repotting

Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' does not require frequent repotting as it is typically grown as a landscape tree. However, if grown in a container, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years to provide adequate space for growing roots.

Humidity & Misting

Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the ambient outdoor humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements when planted in the landscape.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright indirect light and away from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The American Sweetgum 'Gum Ball' starts life as a seed, which, after stratification, germinates in the spring. The seedling grows rapidly, developing into a young sapling with distinctive star-shaped leaves and a strong root system. As it matures over several years, it forms a rounded, compact crown, characteristic of the 'Gum Ball' cultivar. The tree reaches reproductive maturity, typically producing inconspicuous flowers that are followed by the notorious spiky fruit balls in the fall, which contain seeds for dispersal. As a deciduous tree, it displays a dramatic change of foliage color in autumn before shedding its leaves for winter dormancy. Over its lifespan, which can exceed 50 years under favorable conditions, it continues this annual cycle of growth, reproduction, and dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter

• The Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball', commonly known as the American sweetgum, is often propagated by seed or through hardwood cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for the American sweetgum is through hardwood cuttings, generally taken in late fall or early winter when the tree is dormant. For successful propagation, cuttings should be around 6 to 8 inches long and taken from healthy, mature trees. The cut end of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a mixture of sand and peat to root. Maintaining adequate moisture and warmth will help the cuttings to develop roots over several weeks, after which they can be potted or moved to a nursery bed to grow until they are robust enough to plant out.