Liriodendron tulipifera Fastigiatum - Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum' is a variety of Virginia Tulip Tree with a narrower habit, slightly shorter at maturity, which will be better suited to medium-sized gardens and for use as a screen or avenue tree. Otherwise, this deciduous tree with an upright habit is quite similar to the species, highly appreciated for its beautiful autumn colours in shades of gold and orange, and its surprising summer flowering on mature specimens, in the form of curious tulip-shaped flowers in a pale greenish-yellow, orange at the base. Planted in a deep, fertile and moist soil, this Tulip Tree shows vigorous and rapid growth and natural elegance, to be highlighted when planted as a solitary specimen.

The Virginia Tulip Tree, from the magnolia family, is native to the central-western United States, where it often grows near watercourses. This tree, which can live up to 300 years (in Europe), can reach a height of 40m (131ft) at maturity in its native regions. However, in our gardens, its adult size varies between 15 and 25m (49ft and 82ft) in height.

The cultivar 'Fastigiatum', as its name suggests, differs from the species in its fastigiate habit. Its truly vertical branches are almost parallel to the trunk. The crown, narrow during the tree's young years, will later widen, without reaching the usual spread observed in this Tulip Tree. With slightly slower growth than the species, it will reach an average height of 15m (49ft) with a spread of 6-7m. Its straight trunk is covered with a thick, networked, greyish-brown bark, and topped with a columnar and closed crown. The young branches are grey-orange in colour, then become dark grey. Its 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in) leaves are deciduous, divided into 4 lobes separated by distinct notches, giving them the shape of a tulip. The foliage is green from spring to summer, then turns yellow-orange in autumn. The flowering takes place from May to July, less abundant than in the species. The flowers of this Liriodendron are solitary, with 9 very light green tepals with a slightly yellowish to white base, arranged in a wide cup reminiscent of tulips. They measure approximately 4cm (1.6in) long by 6cm (2.4in) wide, and are slightly fragrant, with a lemony scent. Inside the cup, there is a large white-cream central cone, surrounded by a crown of erect stamens measuring 4 to 5cm (1.6 to 2in). Forming on mature individuals, the fruit of the tulip tree resembles that of the magnolia: it is ovoid, dark brown, 5cm (2in) long, and persists in winter. It releases winged achenes measuring 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2in). The root of this tree, a fleshy taproot, anchors deeply in the soil, which should therefore be deep, loose, and well-aerated.

The Fastigiate Virginia Tulip Tree is perfectly hardy, but prefers sunny exposures. It will find its place in a medium to large-sized garden, planted as a solitary specimen on a short grass meadow, near a large pond, or planted as an avenue tree on the property boundary. For example, it can be associated with tall blue conifers (Cedrus libani atlantica 'Glauca', Cupressus arizonica 'Fastigiata', Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris') for the contrast of foliage colours in autumn.