Happidaze® Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Happdell'

Nature Hills Nursery

Happidaze Sweetgum Delivers Stunning Maroon Fall Color in a Narrow Pyramid Form
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 50-70 ft Tall, 25-40 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$165³¹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Title

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun to ensure the most vibrant burgundy and purple fall color. While it can handle some light afternoon shade, the canopy will be less dense and the autumn display will be significantly muted.
Soil: This tree thrives in deep, moist, slightly acidic soil but is famously adaptable to heavy clay. If you have sandy soil, mix in a generous amount of compost at planting time to help hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the deep taproot establish itself. Once mature, Happidaze is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during a dry summer will lead to premature leaf drop or smaller, less glossy foliage. Think of consistent watering as the fuel needed to power that spectacular late season color show.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety is prized for its naturally symmetrical, pyramidal shape, it rarely needs more than light structural pruning in late winter while the tree is dormant. Happidaze blooms on old wood, but since the flowers are inconspicuous, your main goal is simply removing crossing branches or "dead wood" to maintain airflow. Pruning during dormancy prevents the tree from "bleeding" sap, which is common in many deciduous trees if cut during the spring growth spurt.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell to support vigorous new growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Using a fertilizer specifically labeled for acid loving plants can also help keep the foliage a deep, healthy green throughout the heat of July.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fall Color/Interest, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Heat Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	50-70 ft
Width	25-40 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green, Yellow
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Liquidambar styraciflua 'Hapdell'
Species	styraciflua
Cultivar	Hapdell
Class	Sapindales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Even on your worst days, you will come home to your Happidaze® Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Happdell') and won't be able to even control your smile! It just simply has that effect on people!

The Happidaze® Sweetgum (sometimes spelled Sweet Gum) has a rather narrow pyramid stature with spacious, sturdy branches that are full of glossy green leaves. Emerging with a maroon blush, the star-shaped foliage eventually transforms into a warm maroon coloration.

In the late spring or early summer, you will be surprised by the petite yellow-green flowers that cluster on top of the light green foliage. They are rather non-showy, but when you look closely you will be captivated by them. Unlike other Sweetgum that produce spikey round seedpods, Happidaze® is a seedless cultivar!

This gorgeous g iant tree grows to be a mature size of 40-60 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide creating a phenomenal shade tree for you to cool off under in the rather hot summer months. Cold and heat tolerant throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 9, there is little that fazes this adaptable cultivar!

Planting and Application:

This large tree is more than ideal for bigger yards where it can stretch and freely grow to its full size. Also making it perfect for a specimen tree that will draw people in throughout every season! Despite being seedless, Happidaze® will shelter throngs of birds in its dense foliage cover and strong limbs. Children love the star-shaped leaves and you will enjoy this specimen tree all year - but especially when it shows off its magnificent fall color the family is known for!

Sweetgum are impressive shade trees, you'll enjoy reduced cooling costs in the winter, and when the deciduous foliage drops in the winter, enjoy the sun shining through the strong even branching and corky bark for winter interest! Planting on the southwest side of your home will help your tree grow big and strong and shade your home in summer from the hot afternoon sun.

Large Narrow, Pyramid Stature
Glossy Light Green Star-Shaped Foliage & Red New Growth
Warm Maroon Fall Colors
Seedless Form Broadens the Options for Use in the Landscape!
Phenomenal Specimen & Shade Tree - Ideal for Large Properties

#ProPlantTips for Care:

For the best color and strength, plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Best in full sun and well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic average soils, but can tolerate wetter soils and periodic drought for a short time, including salt, alkaline, and clay sites. Give new trees regular watering, and thereafter, water regularly to protect your investment.

Top off with a 3-4 inch deep layer of pine bark or pine straw mulch to young trees, and spread it three feet outside the canopy. Spread the mulch out further for mature trees to keep the spiked seedpods from getting into the lawn. You will find that your Sweetgum has such a great form you will need to do little or no pruning, but if you do prune it is best to trim in the spring. Sweetgum trees are pest and disease-free and easy to grow and care for!

Easy to Care for in Full Sun
Adaptable to Most Well-Drained Soil Conditions - Including Salt & Clay
Handles Periodic Moisture & Drought Once Established
Prune Early Spring
Pest & Disease Resistant

Eliminate bad days by adding this charming tree to your landscaping. Order your very own Happidaze® Sweetgum Tree from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Happidaze® Sweetgum joins our exceptional collection of trees and native plants, thriving across zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs through zone 8 plants, trees & shrubs. Learn more about sweetgum varieties and their unique characteristics in our guide Discover Sweetgum Trees: Beauty, Benefits & Best Varieties!, and explore options for creating natural screens with our Privacy Trees and Shrubs: The Complete Guide to Screening, Spacing & Top Varieties.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Happidaze® Sweetgum?

Happidaze® Sweetgum reaches 40-60 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide at maturity. This large shade tree develops a narrow pyramid shape, making it ideal for bigger yards where it has room to reach full size without crowding.

Does Happidaze® Sweetgum produce gumballs or fruit?

No, Happidaze® Sweetgum is a seedless cultivar that won't produce the messy spiky gumballs that plague other sweetgums. This makes it perfect for yards where you want the beautiful star-shaped foliage and fall color without the cleanup hassle. Shop this low-maintenance shade tree at naturehills.com.

How much sun exposure does Happidaze® Sweetgum need?

Happidaze® Sweetgum thrives in full sun exposure for optimal growth and fall color development. This adaptable tree performs well in USDA zones 5-9 and benefits from abundant sunlight to reach its mature size of 40-60 feet tall. Plant on the southwest side of your home for best results.

When is the best time to plant Happidaze® Sweetgum, and how is it shipped?

Plant Happidaze® Sweetgum in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate in zones 5-9. This large tree ships as a bare root or potted specimen depending on season and size. Choose a location with plenty of space for its 40-60 foot mature height and 25-30 foot spread.

How do I care for Happidaze® Sweetgum, including watering and fertilizing?

Happidaze® Sweetgum thrives in zones 5-9 with minimal care once established. Water deeply during dry spells the first two years, then rely on rainfall. Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance shade tree.

Will Happidaze® Sweetgum grow well in my zone (e.g., zone 5 or 9)?

Happidaze® Sweetgum thrives in USDA zones 5-9, handling both cold winters and hot summers with ease. This cold and heat tolerant cultivar adapts well across this wide range. Check your specific zone and ensure you have space for its 40-60 foot mature height.

Does Happidaze® Sweetgum have any common pests or diseases?

Happidaze® Sweetgum is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for zones 5-9. Like most sweetgums, it may occasionally face scale insects or leaf spot in humid conditions. Ensure proper spacing for its 25-30 foot spread to promote good air circulation and prevent fungal issues.

Can Happidaze® Sweetgum tolerate alkaline soils, or will it get chlorosis?

Happidaze® Sweetgum can struggle in highly alkaline soils and may develop chlorosis (yellowing leaves) due to iron deficiency. This adaptable cultivar thrives in zones 5-9 but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. Test your soil pH and amend with sulfur or organic matter if it's above 7.5.

Happidaze® Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Happdell'