The sweet gum tree has gained another nice selection: Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Brotzman’. This selection has been selected for its winter-hardiness, the corky wings on the twigs and the consistent, deep-red autumn colour.

The twigs of younger specimens of the Liquidambar styraciflua have a tendency to freeze. ‘Brotzman’ does not suffer from this issue. On top of that, it is not as vulnerable to branch breaking. Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Brotzman’ is an upright well-growing tree, with a final height of 15-20 m and a width of 10-12 m. The crown has an oval shape.

The leaves are five-lobed and star-shaped. The shiny, deep dark-green foliage turns brilliant red in autumn. The twigs are covered in corky wings, which increase in number as the tree ages and is clearly visible in winter. The inconspicuous flowers, which grow into spiky capsules, appear in April-May. ‘Brotzman’ prefers permeable soil, not too chalky, and not too dry and not too wet.

It is best to plant Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Brotzman’ in a sunny spot. This will result in the most beautiful autumn colouration!