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Larry Sagers Horticultural Specialist Utah State University Extension Service Thanksgiving Point Office © All Rights Reserved
Right now is an excellent time to visit Red Butte Gardens because the fall color is superb. Of particular note, since it is less common in our area are the sweetgum trees. We like them here but they are prized in warmer areas because they are one of the few trees that have reliable fall color in warmer climates.
Liquidambar styraciflua--Sweet Gum
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9 Height: 70 ft Spread: 45 ft Form: rounded Type: deciduous tree Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches
Comments: Sweet Gum is rarely attacked by pests, and it tolerates wetness and most moist soils. The hard, spiny fruit may be a maintenance problem. The star-shaped leaves turn bright red in autumn. The corky growths on young twigs (Vis. 7) are sometimes mistaken for a disease or other problem by homeowners.
Cultivars: 'Burgundy' - A broadly columnar tree, reaching a height of 40 feet or more but only 15 feet wide. The fall color is purplish red.
'Festival' - An upright, cone-shaped growth habit. The fall color is combinations of pink, peach and yellow.
'Goduzam' (Gold Dust TM) - The spring foliage is light green with distinct gold mottling that becomes more intense in the summer The fall color is a combination of pink and burgundy. Said to be hardier than some other cultivars.
'Gumball' - A rounded, shrubby plant may not be cold hardy in Zone 6 or colder.
'Moraine' - An upright oval form that is said to be hardier than the species.
'Palo Alto' - A pyramidal form with orange-red or bright red fall foliage color. 'Rotundiloba' - A rounded, fast-growing tree with rounded lobes. Reported as seedless. The fall color is purple.
'Silver King' - The foliage is mottled green with white variegations.
'Worplesdon' - This cultivar was selected for consistently good orange and purple fall color display. The foliage is doubly lobed. The pyramidal crown will be 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Experience Red Butte Garden After Dark – with brilliant lights and thrilling adventures waiting around every corner. Back by popular demand, our sixth annual harvest festival will be more exciting than ever before. Joining us this year is Native American flutist Nino Reyos, best known for his performance during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Games.
Explore Native American cultures through enchanting music and tales, musical jams around the campfire, fun crafts, the Starry-Eyed Puppet shows, face painting and delicious treats. We may even coax some creatives of the night to join us. Bring back ancient legends by dressing in costume and enjoy a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience. All at this year’s Garden After Dark.
Garden After Dark Admissions Prices
$6 - Adults $4 - Children, Students, Seniors, Red Butte Garden Members $20 - Families (up to four children) on Monday nights Red Butte Garden Members receive FREE admission Thursday evenings
Red Butte Garden is located at 300 Wakara Way on the University of Utah Campus, just east of Foothill Boulevard. Visit us on the web at: www.redbuttegarden.org GARDEN AFTER DARK HOTLINE – (801) 587-9939
