Tulip Tree

The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a large ornamental tree native to eastern North America, valued for its majestic habit, distinctive foliage and spectacular autumn colour.

Its large, bright green leaves are immediately recognisable by their unusual truncated shape. In autumn, they turn a beautiful golden yellow, making the tree particularly striking at the end of the season. As it matures, the Tulip Tree develops a broad, elegant crown and makes an impressive specimen for large gardens, parks and open landscapes.

In late spring and early summer, mature trees produce unusual tulip-shaped flowers, greenish yellow with orange markings near the base. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Young trees may take several years before they begin flowering.

Given favourable conditions, the Tulip Tree grows relatively quickly and eventually becomes a large tree reaching around 20 to 30 metres in height. It should therefore be planted where it has enough room to develop fully.

It performs best in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, ideally neutral to slightly acidic. A sunny position encourages strong growth and good autumn colour. It is very hardy and suitable for most temperate European climates.

The Tulip Tree prefers not to be transplanted once well established, so careful planting and regular watering during the first few years are particularly important.

Shipping of larger trees

Our half-standard, root-balled and standard, root-balled trees have large and particularly heavy root balls.

These sizes can therefore only be shipped by quotation, as transport must be arranged according to the weight and dimensions of the tree and the delivery address.

Botanical name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Origin: Eastern North America
Synonyms / common names: Tulip Tree, American Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar
Flowering period: May to July
Flower colour: Greenish yellow with orange markings
Pollinator value: Good
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Deep, moist and well drained
Foliage: Deciduous, golden yellow in autumn
Mature height: Approx. 20–30 m
Hardiness: Excellent
USDA zone: 4–9
Uses: Specimen tree, large garden, park, avenue planting