Tulip tree, planting guide and care work

The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera ) is a tree species from the Liriodendron genus, part of the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to the southeastern part of North America.

It grows as a size I tree, reaching up to 50 m in height, and it has a straight stem, with a smooth, dark gray bark. The tulip tree forms a compact, oval crown with thin branches. It develops a strong root system, with very long roots. The tulip tree is easily distinguished by its very decorative foliage. The leaves are large, and wide, have 4 lobes and the tip is straight. It has an intense green color, glossy on the upper part, with a light green underside. During autumn, it changes to a strong golden hue. Flowering takes place during May-June, the flowers are solitary, large, and oriented upwards. These are yellow-greenish, with an orange base and tulip-shaped. The fruit develops in October, and is conical, consisting of several carpels.

It should be planted alone or in groups, in gardens, parks, or as alley trees. The tulip tree wood is easy to process and it does not easily rot, therefore it is used to make certain furniture pieces and boats.

Species and cultivars

The Liriodendron genus includes only two species.

Liriodendron tulipifera presents several cultivars:

“Aureomarginatum” – it has a smaller waist. The leaves are embroidered with golden-yellow hue.

“Fastigiatum”- forms a pyramidal crown.

Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree) – This species is native to China and Vietnam. Its leaves are larger and with more lobes than the other species. The flowers are smaller and greener. It can grow up to 40 m in height.

Environmental conditions

Light. The Tulip Tree grows well in strong light conditions and has difficulties in partial shade conditions.
Temperature. It prefers a warmer climate, it is affected by late frosts. Younger specimens are sensitive to frost, becoming more resilient over time.
Soil. It grows on rich and deep, non-calcareous soils.

Watering

It needs to be watered regularly so that the soil stays moist. It does not tolerate drought.

Fertilization

During the vegetative growth period, apply a specific fertilizer.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Pruning

Generally speaking, it does not need pruning, but it can be pruned to correct the shape, during late autumn or early spring.

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

Different caterpillar species can affect the tree foliage.

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Planting

It can be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative rest period, at temperatures above 5° C, unless the soil is frozen and there are freezing conditions. Be sure to purchase planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, tamp the soil well to compact and water it abundantly. After that, keep the soil damp at all times.

Propagation

The Tulip Tree can be propagated by seeds, layering, or grafting.

  • the seeds should be harvested during autumn and sown immediately after.
  • layering – arched or Chinese.
  • grafting – splice graft, inside the greenhouse.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Furthermore:
  • It may be affected after transplantation.
  • It has a fast growth.
  • It prefers soil with a low acid pH to neutral.
  • It has a high longevity of up to 500 years.
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