In the summer, everyone who doesn't know him probably doesn't think he's a particularly unusual specimen. There it stands with its dark green foliage and tends to recede into the background next to other trees. But as soon as autumn approaches, it organizes a veritable fireworks display!

In autumn, the sweetgum tree dresses in bright colors

From mid-September and well into autumn

As temperatures begin to drop a tier, sweetgum foliage feels encouraged to change color. This is often as early as mid-September, but no later than the end of September. The striking autumn colors can extend into November. Under optimal conditions, it lasts for up to 8 weeks.

The colors of the leaves

The lobed leaves, which have presented themselves from their inconspicuous side during the summer, turn extremely striking in autumn. It's almost impossible to turn away. The gaze wanders again and again to the sweetgum tree…

Depending on the variety, the autumn leaves cover almost the entire color palette. Anything that is possible in fall colors, these leaves can show. Sometimes it is not just one color per sheet, but a sheet has two different colors that contrast each other (e.g. red and yellow).

Common colors seen in sweetgum trees are yellow, yellow-orange, crimson, black-violet, and brown. Various gradations of these tones are generated. With this variety of colors and luminosity, sweetgum trees are among the most beautiful autumn-colored plants in the garden!

Different varieties, different fall colors

But sweetgum is not just sweetgum. The varieties like to differ in terms of their autumn colors. Here is an overview of the most popular varieties and their fall colors.

  • 'Worplesdon': fiery red
  • 'Variegata': creamy white
  • 'Oktoberglut': red, yellow and orange
  • 'Gumball': red, yellow
  • 'Silver King': orange-red to purple
  • 'Aurora': orange-red
  • 'burgundy': burgundy
  • 'Ellen': blood red
  • 'Golden Sun': yellow, red to purple
  • 'Golden Treasure': yellow-green
  • 'Moraine': yellow, burgundy to violet
  • 'Stared': crimson

tips

The autumn colors are most intense in a location that is in full sun, warm and sheltered from the wind. In addition, the autumn color appears earlier in nutrient-poor soils.

Category:

Trees