What soil does Gum Ball sweetgum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Gum Ball sweetgum hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Gum Ball sweetgum be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Gum Ball sweetgum flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Gum Ball sweetgum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Gum Ball sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball'

Gum Ball sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gum Ball') is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €170.

Illustration of Gum Ball sweetgum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A sweetgum grafted on a tall stem that forms a dense ball on its own, so it needs no clipping: the trunk stays the same height and only the crown slowly fills out. Grow it for the long-lasting orange, red and burgundy autumn colour, which needs a spot in sun all day. It likes moist, rather acidic soil, suffers in long drought and on limy ground, and young trees are sensitive to hard frost.

Watch out for

On limy soil the leaves turn yellow (iron chlorosis). Young trees and the graft union can be damaged in hard winters, so protect and stake the stem in the first years. In hot, dry summers the leaf edges scorch without watering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	3–4 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €170

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
180-220 cm	approx. €170

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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