General Description/History

Liquidambars are large popular deciduous trees in Australian gardens, and put on a spectacular display in autumn. Foliage is sold as branches, which have a thick corky bark and twisted curved branches. Leaves are maple-shaped, made up of five lobes with prominent mid-ribs and serrated edges. Two or three leaves are borne per node.
Foliage is most popular in floral arrangements when the leaves are showing autumn colour. There are a number of varieties available, and most cut branches bear leaves that are yellow, orange or deep red. The care tips below refer to branches with autumn leaves, but apply equally to branches with green leaves.

What to look for

• Undamaged leaves
• Shake branches with autumn leaves and avoid those where leaves drop off

Flower Care

1. Keep cool! Never place in full sun
2. Strip leaves from the lower half to 1/3 of each branch
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each branch with sharp secateurs and place in cold water
4. Do not smash or split stem ends
5. Use a preservative as this will keep leaves looking fresh
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day
7. Use within a day or two of purchase, as autumn leaves are getting ready to fall off the branches, and this will happen no matter what treatment you use

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Liquidambar means ‘liquid amber’, and refers to the resin exuded by the winter buds. Known as storax, this resin is used in perfumery and cosmetics.

Botanical Name: Liquidambar sp., usually L. styraciflua.

Common Names: Sweet Gum, Liquid Amber

Stem Length: Branches: up to 100 cm

Country of Origin: North to Central America, East Asia, Turkey

Available Colours: Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,September,October,November,Decemeber