Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to Grow and Care for Sweetgums

Sweetgums, also known as Star Gum, Satin-walnut, Redgum

Sweetgums is a straightforward plant to care for, requiring regular watering, especially in dry conditions, and thriving in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Special care points include ensuring adequate sun exposure, as sweetgums prefers full sun to partial shade, and monitoring for pests like aphids and scale insects. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and health, promoting vibrant foliage and overall plant vigor.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Sweetgums

Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	10-11

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Types of Sweetgums

Sweetgum

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a medium-to-large tree native to warm temperate regions of North and Central America. It puts on a brilliant autumn display - the leathery star-shaped foliage turns orange, red, and burgundy, with multicolored individual leaves. Decorative foliage and an elegant straight trunk earned sweetgum a prominent place in parks and treelines around the world.

Formosan sweetgum

The formosan sweetgum is native to East Asia and grows in moist soil. The leaves are fed to silkworms, and the wood can be made into tea chests. Formosan sweetgum has an aggressive, spreading root system that is known for damaging concrete.

Chinese Sweet Gum

Chinese Sweet Gum is a species of Liquidambar that gets its name from its lack of spiny fruits. Its leaves are a mix of green and burgundy, turning fiery in the fall and releasing a sweet scent. Used for woodwork and medicine, this tree is native to China.

Rasamala

Rasamala is a stately tree, revered for its soaring height and glistening, star-shaped leaves that transition through a kaleidoscope of colors with the seasons. The deeply furrowed bark and spiky fruit capsules offer a striking texture, contrasting the smooth autumnal foliage. Thriving in rich, moist soils, its robust roots anchor it firmly, drawing sustenance to support its grand stature.

Sweetgum 'Slender Silhouette'

Sweetgum 'Slender Silhouette' is a columnar tree that reaches heights of 50-75 feet and only 5-6 feet wide. The star-shaped leaves turn brilliant colors in the fall, and the tree attracts butterflies and birds.