Liriodendron tulipifera
tulip tree
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: sun
- Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A conical-shaped tree with large, shiny, flat leaves with a very distinctive shape that open bright green, then turn vivid yellow in autumn. Although huge green and orange, tulip-shaped, upright flowers appear in summer when the tree is in full foliage, these are inconspicuous from a distance. This really is an ornamental foliage tree, and it looks wonderful planted as a specimen in grass. It grows quite quickly, and is really only suitable for larger gardens, and it will not flower until the tree is about 25 years old. - Garden care: When planting, incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and stake firmly. Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter.