Tulip tree, <em>Liriodendron</em>: planting, care

Description and botany

Le Liriodendron tulipifera ou Tulipier de Virginie, est un grand arbre caduc de la famille des magnoliacées, originaire du centre ouest et de l’est des États-Unis où il pousse spontanément en bordure de cours d’eau et sur les pentes montagneuses.

The Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree is a large deciduous tree in the family Magnoliaceae, native to the central-west and eastern United States where it grows wild along riverbanks and on mountain slopes.

Le genre comporte seulement deux espèces parmi elles, le Liriodendron tulipifera qui a donné naissance quelques variétés à l’instar du Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’ qui se différencie de l’espèce type par son port fastigié, plus étroit, et le Liriodendron chinensis ou Tulipier de Chine, plus petit et moins rustique que le tulipier de Virginie.

Genus comprises only two species. Among them, Liriodendron tulipifera has produced a few cultivars such as Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’, which differs from the typical form by its fastigiate habit, narrower, and Liriodendron chinensis, the Chinese tulip tree, which is smaller and less hardy than the Virginia form.

Ancré sur une profonde racine pivotante, le Tulipier de Virginie forme un arbre majestueux au tronc rectiligne et au port colonnaire dont les branches se déploient en un houppier conique qui s’évase au fil du temps. Chez le Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata, la couronne est plus étroite et les branches presque parallèles au tronc. Plus haut que large, il peut atteindre les 50 m de haut avec un tronc de 2 ou 3 m de diamètre, dans son milieu naturel.

Anchored on a deep taproot, Tulip tree forms a majestic tree with a straight trunk and a columnar habit whose branches develop into a conical crown that broadens over time. In Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’, crown is narrower and branches are almost parallel to trunk. Taller than broad, it can reach 50 m with a trunk 2–3 m in diameter in its natural habitat.

Dans nos jardins, sa taille à l’âge adulte se limitera à 15 à 25 m de hauteur pour 15 m de largeur environ. Sa croissance est rapide surtout les premières années suivant la plantation puis se ralentit parfois au point d’avoir l’air de stagner, mais sa longévité est exceptionnelle ; le Tulipier de Virginie peut vivre près de 500 ans.

In gardens, mature size will be limited to 15–25 m in height for about 15 m in spread. Growth is fast, especially during first years after planting then may slow to appear stagnant, but longevity is exceptional; Tulip tree can live nearly 500 years.

L’écorce est lisse et de couleur grise-orangée lorsque l’arbre est jeune, puis elle fonce et se fissure avec l’âge, ce qui a valu à cet arbre d’être communément appelé “bois jaune”.

Bark is smooth and grey‑orange when tree is young, then darkens and fissures with age, which earned this tree the common name “yellow wood”.

Liriodendron tulipifera – botanical illustration by PJ Redouté

Le Liriodendron tulipifera est un arbre remarquable par ses feuilles joliment tronquées quasi aussi spectaculaires que la floraison.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a tree remarkable for its beautifully truncate leaves, almost as spectacular as its flowering.

Ses feuilles caduques, alternes, portées par de très longs pétioles jusqu’à 10 cm, sont presque aussi larges que longues, mesurant de 10 à 16 cm. Le Tulipier de Virginie doit son nom à leur forme si particulière qui attire l’attention. Le limbe découpé en 4 lobes symétriques et pointus séparés par des échancrures bien marquées semble tronqué à l’extrémité. Dans ces feuilles curieusement lobées qui se terminent en pointe certains y voient la forme d’une tulipe, une lyre ou encore une selle.

Leaves are deciduous, alternate and petiolate, on very long petioles up to 10 cm, almost as broad as long, measuring 10–16 cm. Tulip tree owes its name to their distinctive shape. Lamina is divided into four symmetrical pointed lobes separated by deep sinuses and appears truncate at tip. In these curiously lobed, pointed leaves some see shape of a tulip, a lyre or even a saddle.

Ce feuilles luisantes sont vert tendre à vert vif à revers glauque au printemps. Le Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ se distingue par un feuillage particulièrement lumineux, vert irrégulièrement marginé de jaune d’or au printemps.

These glossy leaves are pale to bright green with a glaucous underside in spring. The Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ is distinguished by particularly luminous foliage, irregularly margined with golden yellow in spring.

L’arbre entier revêt à l’automne une parure remarquablement flamboyante. Les feuilles se teintent de jaune d’or, de brun tabac ou de jolies couleurs orangées à l’automne, avant de tomber.

Whole tree dons a remarkably flamboyant dress in autumn. Leaves turn golden yellow, tobacco brown or lovely orange shades in autumn before falling.

Le Liriodendron tulipifera se caractérise par une floraison estivale insolite. En été, de mai à juillet après la mise à feuilles, des fleurs immenses en coupes larges et dressées apparaissent sur des arbres âgés de 10 à 20 ans minimum. Bien nichées au creux du feuillage, elles s’épanouissent en solitaire aux extrémités des branchages. Leur galbe allongé rappelle à la fois la tulipe, d’où le nom de l’espèce, voire l’élégance naturelle de la fleur de lis et immanquablement la grâce des fleurs de magnolia.

Liriodendron tulipifera is notable for an unusual summer flowering. In summer, from May to July after leafing, huge, broad, upright cup‑shaped flowers appear on trees at least 10–20 years old. Nestled within foliage, they open singly at branch tips. Their elongated form evokes both a tulip, hence the species name, the natural elegance of a fleur‑de‑lis and inevitably the grace of magnolia flowers.

Ces fleurs larges de 6 cm à 10 cm de diamètre, se composent de 9 tépales, dont 3 sépales entourant 6 pétales de texture cireuse et épaisse. L’intérieur de la coupe révèle un cône central blanc-crème cerné d’un bouquet d’étamines jaunes de 4 à 5 cm de long.

These flowers, 6–10 cm wide, consist of nine tepals, three sepals surrounding six petals of thick, waxy texture. Inside the cup a central cream‑white cone is surrounded by a cluster of yellow stamens 4–5 cm long.

Elles éclosent en corolles nuancées de teintes très fraîches, et acidulées vert très clair à blanc ou vert jaune pâle teinté d’orangé à la base.

They open in corollas shaded in very fresh, tangy tones from very pale green to white or greenish‑yellow tinged with orange at the base.

Les fleurs gorgées de nectar sont mellifères et légèrement odorantes, elles diffusent un agréable parfum d’agrumes citronné.

Nectar‑rich flowers are melliferous and lightly scented; they give off a pleasant lemony citrus trees scent.

Elles se muent ensuite mais seulement après 20 ans, en fruits coniques brun clair de 7-8 cm de long dressés et écailleux ressemblant à ceux du magnolia.

They later develop, but only after about 20 years, into upright, scaly light‑brown conical fruits 7–8 cm long, resembling those of magnolia.

Ils persistent longtemps sur l’arbre après la chute des feuilles et libèrent de nombreuses petites graines ailées (des akènes ou samares) qui font le régal des oiseaux et des petits animaux en hiver.

They persist on the tree long after leaf fall and release numerous small winged seeds (achenes or samaras), which provide a winter feast for birds and small mammals.

Evolution of the Tulip tree’s superb flowering — Tulip tree

D’une excellente rusticité, le Tulipier de Virginie supporte les hivers rigoureux jusqu’à -30 °C, parfois même au-delà. Il préfère une exposition ensoleillée à mi-ombragée et les sols riches, profonds, bien drainés, restant frais tout au long de l’année.

With excellent hardiness, Tulip tree withstands severe winters down to -30 °C, sometimes even lower. It prefers a sunny to partly shaded exposure and rich, deep, well‑drained soils that remain cool year‑round.

Le Liriodendron tulipifera est un arbre splendide en isolé, en point de mire dans un grand parc ou un jardin pour profiter de sa spectaculaire floraison, près d’un bassin de belles dimensions ou encore comme arbre d’alignement. Certaines variétés de stature plus modestes conviendront bien aux jardins de taille moyenne.

Liriodendron tulipifera is a splendid tree planted singly, as a focal point in a large park or garden to enjoy its spectacular flowering, beside a sizeable pond or as an avenue tree. Some more modest cultivars are well suited to medium‑sized gardens.

Le bois de Tulipier de Virginie de couleur brun jaunâtre à brun verdâtre est une essence légère et tendre très appréciée en marqueterie, dans la lutherie ainsi que dans les constructions navales.

Tulip tree wood, coloured yellowish‑brown to greenish‑brown, is a light, soft timber much prized for marquetry, luthiery and shipbuilding.

L’écorce possède également des propriétés anti-inflammatoires, antitussives et peut être utilisée comme substitut au quinquina.

Bark also has anti‑inflammatory and antitussive properties and can be used as a substitute for quinine.

Main species and varieties

With type species Liriodendron Tulipifera, only a few varieties of Virginia tulip tree are commonly offered in nurseries. Here are our favourites !

Most popular

Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree

This is the type species! Its name 'Virginia tulip tree' comes from its deeply cut leaves and flowers resembling a tulip. Majestic, it requires a large space befitting its size.

• Période de floraison June to August
• Hauteur à maturité 25 m

See the product sheet

Liriodendron tulipifera Fastigiatum - Tulip Tree

Here is a Virginia tulip tree better suited to small spaces! Foliage with beautiful autumn colours and an unusual summer flowering; it has everything to please. Best showcased as a specimen.

• Période de floraison June to August
• Hauteur à maturité 15 m

See the product sheet

Our favourites

Liriodendron tulipifera Aureomarginatum

Another variety less bulky than the type species. It also stands out for very bright variegated foliage. Its more modest stature allows planting in medium-sized gardens.

• Période de floraison June to August
• Hauteur à maturité 15 m

See the product sheet

Planting Liriodendron

Where to plant Tulip tree?

The Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree shows very good hardiness, down to -30°C, sometimes -35°C, allowing planting in coldest regions of the country. Native to wet areas, it will appreciate rainy climates and will probably be less comfortable in overly dry Mediterranean regions.

Although very hardy, in regions with long winters or strong winds, give it a well-sheltered spot, since late frosts can damage flower buds and strong winds can break its branches.

It prefers non-scorching sun or partial shade in rich, light, deep soil that drains in winter, is cool and even moist — in any case not too dry, as it needs some moisture in soil to develop well. While tolerant like magnolia, it will nevertheless favour slightly acidic and soil.

This tree resents transplanting and does not tolerate heavy pruning; therefore think carefully about location before planting and allow room proportional to its size, because at maturity (after 40 to 50 years of cultivation) it will easily exceed 20 m in height and 15 m in width.

Its monumental dimensions make it an ideal specimen when planted alone in a large park or garden, or in avenues in urban settings, as it shows excellent resistance to pollution. It will also be wonderful near a water feature.

In a medium-sized garden or a city garden, opt for Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’, a less bulky variety, a little slower in growth than the species and with a narrower habit, which does not exceed 15 m in height and 6–7 m in spread.

Change in Tulip tree foliage colour through seasons

When to plant Tulip tree?

Planting Tulip tree is ideally carried out in spring: from February to April in cold regions or from September to November in other regions to encourage rooting before winter. In all cases avoid frosty periods.

How to plant Tulip tree?

Secret to a fine Tulip tree is that soil is sufficiently rich, deep and cool! In very calcareous soil, we recommend adding heather soil at planting. Once well established, avoid moving it, its root will tolerate transplantation very poorly. Allow sufficient space — at least 8 to 10 m between its base and another tree, wall or fence.

• Plant in a wide planting hole at least three times the volume of the rootball
• Make a good draining bed so water does not stagnate, using coarse sand or gravel
• Enrich soil with well-rotted compost and a little potting compost
• Plant at collar level without burying the rootball too deeply
• Keep tree upright and stake if necessary
• Firm soil and water abundantly until establishment and during the two summers following planting
• Mulch the base to preserve coolness during summer

To succeed in planting your tree, discover our video!

Maintenance, pruning and care

Tulip tree requires very little maintenance. Good organic mulch and regular watering in summer are essentially all care required.

In summer, monitor water needs during first two years and water generously in dry weather. Spread a good layer of organic mulch to keep soil consistently moist. Growth can also be limited by lack of water, so soil must never be dry. Thereafter, it will better withstand brief dry spells.

Once a year, in spring, amend soil with a good organic fertiliser.

Should tulip tree be pruned?

Tulip tree dislikes frequent and especially severe pruning: prune only when necessary for broken, weak or poorly located branches. At end of winter, carry out maintenance pruning only to remove dead or damaged wood. Apply plant-based tar as every wound favours penetration by pathogenous fungi.

Learn more in our tutorial : How to prune a tulip tree?

Beautiful variegated foliage of Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’

Potential pests and diseases

When grown in suitable conditions, the Tulip tree is not very susceptible to most diseases or to attacks by insects or parasitic organisms.

In waterlogged, poorly drained soil, it will be endangered by fungal diseases caused by fungi such as verticillium wilt. As a preventive measure: spray with Bordeaux mixture in autumn and late winter. If attacked, you will notice that the leaves wilt, dry out and curl up: remove affected leaves and burn them.

Very calcareous soil can cause chlorosis, leading to yellowing of leaves and, in time, decline of the tree. Regularly amending soil with a shovelful of heather soil will help prevent it.

→ Find out more with our information sheet on Diseases and parasites of the Tulip tree.

Multiplication

tulip tree is propagated by sowing, sometimes you have to wait an entire year to see the seeds germinate or by graft for most experienced gardeners. However, tulip tree fruits only appear after 20 years, so we recommend buying another tulip tree from our nursery.

→ Learn more about propagation of Liriodendron in our tutorial How to propagate the tulip tree?

Associate

Tulip tree needs a large space, is generally self-sufficient and will be remarkable as a bright pit in the middle of a short grass meadow. Very resistant to pollution, it is perfect in a large city garden. Its yellow-green-orange flowering invites playing with zesty harmonies or complementarity, pairing it with blue-toned flowers for contrasting combinations.

This tree with an imposing habit will become the focal point at the centre of a large mass of lower bushes that will flower earlier in spring, such as Mahonia Media with its lemon-yellow flowers, Chimonanthus praecox with sulphur-yellow flowering, forsythias, or later-flowering specimens such as a Buddleja weyeriana ‘Sungold’, shrubby potentillas, creeping roses or a Hypericum ‘Golden Beacon®’ or St John’s wort.

An example of a planting in a grove: Liriodendron tulipifera, Liquidambar styraciflua, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Betula utilis (B. utilis var. jacquemontii for example), Parrotia persica… in autumn it will be a firework of colours!

A Lonicera nitida ‘Elegant’, an evergreen honeysuckle, will form a perfect low hedge around its base.

In spring, surround it with a tapetum of bulbous plants, such as imperial fritillaries, Eremurus, daffodils, narcissi, late tulips.

Its lush summer foliage limits light at its base, so choose some perennial shade-loving plants with yellow or blue flowering, such as Brunnera macrophylla, creeping bugles, Corydalis, Digitalis or hardy geraniums which will keep its roots cool.

The lavender-blue panicles of a Buddleia davidii ‘Nanho Blue’ and the cobalt-blue flowers of a Ceratostigma willmottianum, a ground-covering bush, will provide an interesting contrast with the yellow flowering of the Tulip tree, which will also stand out beautifully against a backdrop of blue conifers such as Cedrus libani atlantica ‘Glauca’, Cupressus arizonica ‘Fastigiata’ or Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’.

At season’s end, leaves of a Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) or a Persian parrotia will enhance its foliage with autumn colours.