A stately fast-growing tree with uniquely shaped saddle-cut leaves that turn clear gold in autumn and curious greenish-orange tulip-like flowers in early summer. Needs room to spread.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 20 m H × 10 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Tulip Tree
Botanically, Liriodendron tulipifera is a fast-growing tree in the Magnoliaceae family. It reaches around 20 m tall and 10 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, rich in autumn colour and golden foliage. Cream green and orange flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Tulip Tree
Tulip Tree suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Tulip Tree does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Tulip Tree does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Tulip Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Tulip Tree in the garden
Tulip Tree earns its place for a shade tree and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Tulip Tree with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Tulip Tree
Plant Sale lists Tulip Tree as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
