It is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees that adorn our gardens. But can you plant it in a bucket or will it get too big? Read on and you'll know!

In its homeland, the sweetgum tree grows up to 40 meters high

One of the largest deciduous trees in Europe

The sweetgum tree is one of the largest deciduous trees in Europe. It reaches a height of between 20 and 45 m. However, in this country it only reaches these dimensions in exceptional cases. They are not uncommon in his home country.

In our climate, the sweetgum tree usually grows 15 to 20 m high. Its growth width is 4 to 6 m on average. A width of up to 10 m is the exception. It doesn't take too long to reach these dimensions in height and width (20 to 50 cm per year).

Growth changes over time

By nature, the sweetgum tree has a shapely growth. It is often multi-stem. The leader is continuous and initially the tree develops a narrow pyramidal to conical crown. This is moderately translucent.

With age, the crown becomes more ovate. The main branches are upright while the side branches are horizontal to obliquely ascending. A rounded and open crown has usually developed in old age.

Rather large specimens

In addition to the well-known variety 'Stella', which grows up to 25 m high and 6 m wide, there are other varieties that belong to the larger specimens and are best suited for large properties, parks, streets and public spaces.

Here are the varieties:

  • 'Worplesdon': up to 15 m high, symmetrical, 20 to 40 cm per year
  • 'Moraine': up to 12 m high and 6 m wide, regular growth
  • Column sweetgum: maximum 15 m high and 3 m wide
  • Variegated sweetgum tree: up to 10 m high and 6 m wide, 20 to 40 cm per year

Small sweetgum trees - ideal for home gardens and tubs

Even more spatially limited locations can be planted with sweetgum trees. The following varieties are well suited: 'Gumball', 'Oktoberglut', 'Silver King' and 'Variegata'.

tips

The wetter and nutrient-rich the soil, the faster the sweetgum grows. In optimal site conditions, it can grow up to 90 cm per year!

Category:

Trees