Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is an impressive deciduous tree known for its unusual foliage, attractive autumn colour and distinctive flowers.
Developing into a substantial tree with a naturally conical form, Tulip Tree is best suited to larger gardens where it has plenty of room to reach its full potential.
One of the most recognisable features of Liriodendron tulipifera is its foliage. The large, glossy dark green leaves have a distinctive shape, with broad lobes and a flattened tip that sets them apart from the leaves of most other garden trees. Together, they form a fresh, leafy canopy throughout spring and summer.
As autumn arrives, Tulip Tree’s foliage turns a clear, bright yellow, creating an impressive seasonal display before the leaves fall. This reliable change in colour gives the Tulip Tree plenty of interest even before it reaches the maturity required to begin flowering.
On established trees, unusual tulip-shaped flowers appear amongst the foliage during summer. The blooms are greenish-yellow with attractive orange markings towards the centre. As the flowers can sit high amongst the leaves, they are sometimes easier to appreciate when they fall or when growing on lower branches.
Liriodendron tulipifera naturally develops a strong, conical shape when young, becoming broader as it matures. Its size and balanced form make it particularly effective as a specimen tree planted in a lawn, where there is enough open space to appreciate its shape.
For the best results, plant Liriodendron tulipifera in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It performs well in full sun or partial shade and benefits from having plenty of room for its roots and canopy to develop.
If you have the space for a larger tree, Liriodendron tulipifera provides distinctive foliage, excellent autumn colour and, with maturity, unusual tulip-like flowers that make it a particularly interesting specimen.
Common Name: Tulip Tree
Latin Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Special features: Foliage turns rich butter-yellow in autumn.
