Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' Tree

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Low

Lime: Low

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’, commonly known as Lane Roberts sweetgum, is a Hillier cultivar named after Dr. Lane Roberts, who, in 1960s bought a seedling from Hillier Nurseries. When Roberts discovered the vibrant autumn colours, he called Sir Harold Hillier who then propagated the seedling, named it after Dr. Lane Roberts and introduced the cultivar in 1970s.

One of the most notable features of this cultivar is its foliage. The leaves are palmately lobed, star-shaped, and noticeably larger than its parent. In late spring, leaves open a healthy vivid green, transitioning into almost black shades of crimson and Bordeaux red in autumn. This captivating display of autumnal hues makes Lane Roberts sweetgum a sought-after choice for adding dramatic colour to landscapes.

Due to its stunning visual appeal, Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’ is often used as a focal point in large gardens, estates, and spacious landscapes. It also makes a good tree for wide streets and avenues as it provides a lot of shade. Its ability to attract birds with its small, round, and spiky fruits adds to its desirability.

Visit our Useful Resources for in-depth guides

Discover guides to help you with specifying your trees, caring for your trees and understanding the weights and dimensions of trees.

Useful Resources

Size

Medium/Large

10m high x 5m wide after 25 years

Environment

Often used as a focal point in large gardens or estates, parks, and other spacious landscapes. Provides shade and is good for wide streets and avenues.

Canopy

Slightly smaller than its parent with a tighter conical habit. Pyramidal form with a central leader. Well-branched structure.

Foliage

Leaves are a healthy vivid green in late spring and are noticeably larger than its parent. In autumn, leaves eclipse into almost black shades of crimson and Bordeaux red. The most consistent autumn display of all liquidambars.

Fruit

Round, spikey capsules.

Resilience

Thrives in full sun exposure, which promotes optimal growth and vibrant autumn colouration. Prefers well-drained soils and does best in fertile soil. Will not thrive in chalky soils or drought. Tolerant of pollution and paved areas.

Available As:

Semi-Mature