East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Soil
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Liriodendron tulipifera is a fast-growing deciduous tree, often better known by its common name of tulip tree, after the tulip-like shape of its summer blooms. These cup-shaped blooms are up to 6cm across, pale green and banded with orange at the bases. Its lobed leaves are mid-green in colour and large, up to 15cm long. They develop showy reds and oranges before falling in autumn. Tulip tree grows to 20-30m with a spread of 10-15m, so is only suitable for very large gardens. However there are several cultivated varieties that are more compact and less vigorous in growth, which are suited to small to medium gardens.
Liriodendron tulipifera tree originates from the eastern side of North America, where it's widely used as a timber crop and known as whitewood. Tulip tree was originally introduced to the UK in the late 17th century. Liriodendron tulipifera growth is hardy and tolerant of winds, so tulip trees grow well in the UK, thriving in deep fertile soils in sun or partial shade.
Varieties of Liriodendron tulipifera to grow
Named varieties of tulip tree offer different coloured foliage or a narrower tree shape and are a better option to the species where there’s less space to grow.
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiatum’ is a columnar form with branches that point skywards. It's much narrower growing than the species. Height x Spread: 12m x 8m
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’ has a narrow form and is sometimes known as the tulip poplar tree, because the growth habit is similar to the Lombardy poplar. However, be aware that the growth does become wider spreading with age. H x S: 12m x 8m
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum' has variegated green and yellow leaves that look particularly handsome in spring, when the colour is most pronounced. This variety is smaller growing and the least vigorous of the tulip trees. H x S: 12m x 8m
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Liriodendron ‘tulipifera’ and wildlife
Liriodendron ‘tulipifera’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Liriodendron ‘tulipifera’ poisonous?
Liriodendron ‘tulipifera’ has no toxic effects reported.
