American Tulip Tree
Liriodendron Tulipifera
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Remarkable for its original foliage, the majestic American Tulip Tree or Liriodendron Tulipifera, is also distinguished by its splendid tulip-shaped flowering.
Description
Height at maturity
20 to 25 m
Wingspan at maturity
15 m
Exposure
sun
Flowering
May - June
Hardiness
-30°C
Origin
Southeastern US
American Tulip Tree - Liriodendron tulipifera
(majestic tree combining elegance, vigour, and a unique flowering spectacle)
Origin and characteristics
Native to the eastern coast of the United States, Liriodendron tulipifera belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, hence the resemblance of its flowers to magnolias. Its name derives from Latin lirio (lily) and dendron (tree): "lily-flowered tree". It is also known as the "Tulip Tree" due to the shape of its blossoms.
It is a fast-growing monopodial species, forming a tall, straight central leader ideal for avenues or as a standalone feature.
Description and features
The Tulip Tree is recognizable by its lyre- or tulip-shaped foliage, light green turning golden yellow in autumn. In late spring, large, cup-shaped flowers appear in light green, orange, and cream tones, resembling upright tulips. These flowers are fragrant and nectar-rich, though often high up in the tree.
- Height at maturity: 20–30 m (up to 40 m in ideal conditions)
- Width: 8 to 12 m
- Foliage: Deciduous, light green, very distinctive, golden yellow in autumn
- Flowering: May to June, even July depending on climate
- Flowers: Large (5–6 cm), cup-shaped, yellowish green with orange marbling
Plant characteristics
- Type: Large deciduous tree
- Form: Pyramidal to columnar in youth, becomes rounded with age
- Growth rate: Fast (30 to 60 cm/year on average)
- Hardiness: Excellent (down to –25 °C)
- Lifespan: Long (over 100 years)
Flowering and fruiting
- Flowers: Upright, tulip-shaped, greenish yellow with orange center. Fragrant, but often appear high up.
- Fruits: Persistent dry cones, samara-like, shaped like a closed tulip
Exposure and soil
- Exposure: Sun or partial shade (optimal growth in full sun)
- Soil: Rich, fresh, deep and well-drained
- Avoid: Calcareous or poorly drained areas
- Tip: Monitor soil moisture during the first few years
- Spacing: Plant well away from other trees to showcase its majestic shape
Planting
- Season: Autumn or spring
- Soil preparation: Loosen soil deeply and enrich with mature compost
Pruning
- No mandatory pruning: naturally straight and balanced form
- Remove lower branches if trunk clearance is desired
- Avoid hard pruning, which heals poorly on this species
Propagation
- By seed (slow germination, sprouts in spring after cold stratification)
- By grafting (more common for cultivars like ‘Fastigiatum’)
- Seed-grown trees take several years to flower
Garden use
The Tulip Tree is ideal for:
- Large gardens, parks or wooded estates
- Alignments or solitary specimens on lawns
- Light shade provider thanks to its airy foliage
- Enhancing a view or structured avenue
Resistance and sensitivities
- Very low susceptibility to pests or diseases
- Sensitive to prolonged drought in poor soils
- Requires well-aerated roots: avoid planting too close to buildings or in heavy soils
Tips for optimal growth
- Choose an open, spacious site
- Avoid transplanting mature specimens
- Mulch the base to maintain soil moisture in summer
- Water regularly for the first 2–3 years
Liriodendron tulipifera is a majestic and long-lived tree, perfect for creating shade, structuring large spaces, or adding an architectural statement to the garden. A species full of presence and poetry!
Features
- Common name : American Tulip Tree
- Family : Magnoliaceae
- Category : tree
- Spread : 15 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Color of flowers : yellow
- Use : isolated, alignment or bonsai
- Soil : Little fertile, well drained and slightly acidic
- Habit : conical
- Earth to use : 75% universal potting soil and 25% heath earth
- Enemies : nothing to report
- Possible diseases : leaf spots
- Photo taken : Botanical garden of Meise - Belgium
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
Customer reviews
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