Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Tree

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy Blush'

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Ombre Fall Foliage Transitions from Burgundy to Deep Purple Hues
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 50-60 ft Tall, 30-40 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$142⁶⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This tree performs best in full sun for at least six to eight hours each day. While it can tolerate some afternoon shade, the signature burgundy fall color will be much more muted without plenty of direct light.
Soil: It prefers deep, moist, and slightly acidic soils but is quite adaptable to different textures. For heavy clay, mix in organic matter like finished compost to help the roots spread, or plant it on a slight mound to ensure the roots do not sit in soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water your tree deeply twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the ground. Once it is mature, the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent water during summer heat can lead to brown leaf margins or premature leaf drop. Think of deep watering as insurance for a spectacular autumn display.

Pruning Tips

Wait until late winter or early spring to prune while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing any branches that have narrow, V-shaped angles to prevent future limb breakage during heavy wind or ice. This type of structural pruning is like giving the tree a strong skeleton, ensuring it can support its own weight as it reaches its full mature height.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring before the new leaves fully unfurl. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer because this stimulates soft new growth that will not have time to toughen up before freezing temperatures arrive. This tender growth is easily damaged by frost, which can invite pests or diseases into the tree.

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, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	50-60 ft
Width	30-40 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 'Burgundy Blush'
Species	styraciflua
Cultivar	Burgundy Blush
Class	Sapindales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Light your landscaping up today with this tall, upright beautifully glossy Burgundy Blush Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy Blush'). The unique clusters of flowers give way to unique spikey seedpods that feed birds and wildlife in your area!

In the fall you will be impressed with the bright red-purple fall foliage that fades beautifully into each other like a freshly done ombre hairstyle. You will be at a loss for words after seeing this giant beauty. No matter what plants surround this tree, it will manage to pop out and catch everyone's eye!

Plant this captivating 50-60-foot tall ornamental deciduous tree that grows up to 40 feet wide as a specimen tree so that it can freely flow in the wind. The long strong branches will feel as if they are reaching out and pulling you in. Hardy throughout USDA 5 to 9, this Sweetgum trees are relatively pest and disease-free!

Planting and Application:

Burgundy Blush Sweetgum's great size makes it perfect for large backyards where a lot of space needs to be filled with beauty and lush shade! Try planting in multiples to create a delightfully shady summer sitting area with a mulched bed beneath them for your seating areas and fire pit!

A large, incredible shade tree, Burgundy Blush is perfect for shading the southwest side of your home from the hot afternoon sun while allowing the sun to warm your home during the winter months. Not minding moister soil locations, these adaptable trees can handle areas around Rain Gardens, near ponds, and along streams and water features!

Impressively Tall, Upright Stature
Bright Red-Purple Fall Coloration
Star-Shaped Glossy Foliage
Bird-Friendly Ornamental Round & Spikey Seedpods
Magnificent Specimen Tree & Ideal for Big Properties

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant this gentle giant in full sun with well-drained soil for the best growth possible, including handling salt, alkaline, and clay sites! Burgundy Blush is a fleshy rooted tree that will benefit greatly from having a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the top of the root zone to help moderate temperature and moisture. Sometimes spelled Sweet Gum, these trees have different names in every region they grow in! Showing off their incredible versatility and adaptability throughout a wide range of conditions. Prune in the spring once you see new growth emerging because, like Maple trees, Sweetgum can bleed sticky sap (which made a chewing gum-like treat back in the day!), and create a mess.

Easy to Care For In Full Sun
Moderate to High Moisture
Drought Tolerant Once Established
Widely Adaptable In Any Well-Drained Soil
Minimal Maintenance - Prune Early Spring

Order your very own Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Tree today with Nature Hills Nursery before it is too late! This captivating tree is a fan favorite with its dramatic fall colors.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Burgundy Blush Sweetgum makes an excellent addition to your landscape alongside other trees and native plants that thrive in zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs through zone 7 plants, trees & shrubs. To learn more about this remarkable species and its unique characteristics, explore our comprehensive guide Discover Sweetgum Trees: Beauty, Benefits & Best Varieties! For additional landscaping ideas, consider reading about Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring to create layered plantings that complement your sweetgum's seasonal display.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Tree?

The Burgundy Blush Sweetgum reaches 50-60 feet tall and 40 feet wide at maturity. This substantial size makes it ideal for large properties where you need significant shade coverage. Plant it as a specimen tree with plenty of space to showcase its impressive stature.

Does the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 5-9)?

The Burgundy Blush Sweetgum thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. This hardy tree handles various soil conditions including clay, alkaline, and even salt-affected sites. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for optimal growth, available at naturehills.com.

How much sun exposure does the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum need—full sun or partial shade?

The Burgundy Blush Sweetgum requires full sun for optimal growth and development. This tree performs best when planted in a location that receives direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Plant it in an open area where it won't be shaded by buildings or other large trees.

What type of soil does the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum prefer, and does it tolerate clay or wet soils?

Burgundy Blush Sweetgum thrives in well-drained soil but tolerates clay, alkaline, and even salt conditions. It also handles moister locations well, making it suitable for rain gardens and areas near water features. Plant in full sun for best results.

How often should I water a newly planted Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Tree?

Water newly planted Burgundy Blush Sweetgum trees deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. This adaptable tree handles moist conditions well and thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Reduce frequency once established, available at naturehills.com.

What are the care requirements for the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum once established?

Established Burgundy Blush Sweetgums are low-maintenance trees that thrive in USDA zones 5-9. They tolerate various soil conditions including clay, alkaline, and salt exposure, plus handle moist areas well. Provide full sun and maintain 3-4 inches of mulch around the base.

Will the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum produce those spiky seed balls, and are they a problem?

Yes, Burgundy Blush Sweetgum produces spiky seedpods that birds and wildlife actually love. These ornamental seed balls are part of the tree's appeal rather than a problem. Plant as a specimen tree where falling pods won't interfere with high-traffic areas.

How fast does the Burgundy Blush Sweetgum grow to maturity?

Burgundy Blush Sweetgum has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching its mature height of 50-60 feet over 15-20 years. This large specimen tree grows best in full sun with well-drained soil across USDA zones 5-9. Allow plenty of space for its 40-foot spread when planning your landscape.

What are the shipping costs and availability for Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Trees?

Shipping costs and availability vary by tree size and your location. These hardy trees ship well throughout USDA zones 5-9 during optimal planting seasons. Check the product page for current pricing and delivery options to your area.

Burgundy Blush Sweetgum Tree

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy Blush'