The tulip tree has a lot to offer. In addition to the characteristic tulip tree blossoms, it also has special leaves and impressive autumn colours.
The American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is one of the noblest and most important forest trees there. In Germany, too, it now enjoys great popularity. Here you can find out everything about planting and get tips for optimal care of the tulip tree.
Tulip tree: flower, origin and characteristics
The tulip tree is a deciduous tree and, like the magnolia (Magnolia), belongs to the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). It comes from Northeast America and is widespread there. In Germany, too, it is gaining more and more popularity. The special feature of the tulip tree is - as its name suggests - the beautiful blossom, which is reminiscent of tulips. The tulip tree flowers have a calyx shape, yellow-orange petals and appear from May to June. After pollination, elongated, cone-like fruits develop. The four-lobed leaves of the deciduous tree have a characteristic, symmetrical shape and turn a long-lasting gold in autumn. The fast-growing tulip tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and then usually forms a columnar crown. As a cordial, it prefers deep, moist and humus-rich soil.
Is the tulip tree bee friendly? The flowers of the tulip tree contain plenty of nectar, which not only bees are consumed by, but also beetles, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects.
The most beautiful species and varieties
The genus of tulip trees includes only two species, the Chinese and the American tulip tree. However, there are also some tulip tree varieties that differ mainly in terms of growth habit and size.
- Chinese Tulip Tree (Liriodendron chinense): The Chinese Tulip Tree is found in Asia and together with Liriodendron tulipifera forms the genus of tulip trees (Liriodendron).A big distinguishing feature to the Liriodendron tulipifera is on the one hand the lower growth height and on the other hand the larger lobed leaves.
- Columnar Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum'): With its 6 to 8 meter wide crown and a height of 15 to This tulip tree grows 18 meters in the form of a column. It is therefore also known as the columnar tulip tree and remains a lot smaller than the wild species Liriodendron tulipifera.
- Yellow Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginata'): At 12 to 15 meters, this variety stays a little smaller and grows quite a bit slower than the wild species. The bicolored leaves are dark green with a light to yellow-green margin.
- Dwarf Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Ardis'): This dwarf tulip tree grows only 8 to 9 meters high and is therefore also suitable for gardens with less space.
By the way: The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is not closely related to Liriodendron , but belongs to the trumpet tree family (Bignoniaceae). It also has striking, cup-shaped flowers.
Planting a Tulip Tree: Location and Procedure
The tulip tree thrives best in a wind-protected location with sunny lighting conditions. The soil should be loose, rich in humus, not too calcareous and above all deep. In addition, the tulip tree likes a well-drained and not too dry substrate. The roots need a lot of space to spread.
The best time to plant the tulip tree is in March. It is highly recommended to tie the young tulip tree securely to two stakes so that it will not be moved by the wind. This hinders a good growth. The planting hole should be twice as wide and deep as the root ball. During the preparations, place the tulip tree in a bucket of water to soak the root ball. Then put a nutrient-rich, loose substrate in the planting hole and mix it with the garden soil. Here, for example, our Plantura organic universal soil is suitable, which contains all the important nutrients and thus promotes he althy root formation.
The soil in the planting hole should now be moistened. Then the tulip tree is placed in the hole and the gaps are filled with garden soil and potting soil. Press firmly and use the excess soil to create a watering rim so that the tulip tree can be watered effectively.
Tip: Bare-rooted or balled tulip trees should be pruned immediately before planting. Because the root ball of these tulip trees is greatly reduced shortly before sale, which leads to better growth, but also to a disproportion between roots and crown. The crown should be reduced slightly so that the tree does not evaporate more water above ground than it can absorb below ground.
The right care
The soil should be kept as moist as possible, especially in the first few weeks and the first summer after planting. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging. A layer of bark mulch protects the soil from drying out in summer. In the first phase of growth, the tulip tree can also be protected from pests with a fleece.
Fertilize and water the tulip tree
The tulip tree needs enough water to produce lots of foliage and beautiful flowers. If it doesn't rain enough, it has to be watered from time to time - especially in midsummer.
Young trees should be supplied with fertilizer in late spring. A long-term fertilizer, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer, provides the plants with nutrients for at least three months, which are gradually released. It is simply sprinkled onto the soil and lightly incorporated or covered with mulch for improved effectiveness. Care should be taken with the tulip tree, as the fine roots close to the surface of the earth are very sensitive and can be injured when tilling the soil.
Pruning Tulip Tree
It is not necessary to prune the tulip tree as it develops its typical crown shape naturally and without intervention. The tulip tree is sensitive to pruning. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a suitable variety for the space available. In the spring, however, diseased or dead branches can be removed regularly.
Tulip tree not blooming
The first flowers often only appear when the tree is 20 to 30 years old. If flowering does not occur despite reaching this age, this could be the result of a lack of water, space or light or abe a radical cutback. It is therefore important to choose a suitable location and take good care of the tulip tree.
Transplant Tulip Tree
Transplanting the Liriodendron tulipifera is not recommended due to the very sensitive roots and root depth.
You should However, if you decide to do so, dig out the root ball as generously as possible so as not to injure it. If it is a larger specimen, it should be pricked deeply around the root ball a year before transplanting. This promotes root branching close to the trunk and results in a denser root ball, which makes it easier to grow at the new location. Alternatively, a trench can be dug and a root barrier dug in. The transplanting itself should then take place in the spring. If the crown to root ball ratio has changed significantly, pruning should be done again to protect the tree from too much water loss.
Propagate Tulip Tree
Propagating the tulip tree is not easy and requires a lot of patience. The wild species is only propagated by sowing, but you can only rarely buy tulip tree seeds. Alternatively, it is possible to harvest seeds from an existing tulip tree. You can grow the seedlings on the windowsill or in a warm greenhouse from September. The seed is scattered on potting soil, moistened and covered with cling film. The germination temperature is 20 to 26 °C.
You can also use cuttings to propagate the tulip tree. Unfortunately, this method offers only a small chance of success, but it is worth a try. To do this, cuttings are cut diagonally in June or July from one-year-old shoots that grow close to the trunk and the ground. These are placed in potting soil and kept warm at 20 to 24 °C. Then put a plastic bag over the container and keep the cuttings moist.
Is the tulip tree hardy?
In Germany, the Liriodendron tulipifera is absolutely hardy and does not require any further protective measures.
Common pests and diseases on tulip trees
The tulip tree is hardly affected by diseases and pests. However, root rot can occur if the subsoil is too wet. Spots on the leaves are mostlyDue to drought.
Is the tulip tree poisonous?
All parts of the tulip tree are poisonous, both to humans and animals. Small children and animals should be taken to the doctor or veterinarian if they suspect they have been eaten.
Magnolia and tulip tree belong to the same plant family and both impress with their magnificent blooms. You can find out how to plant and care for the magnolia with us.