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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Tulip Tree is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Tulip Tree with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.