Overview
Liriodendron tulipifera is a spreading branched, columnar upright tree in the genus Liriodendron, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 30.0 m tall. Liriodendron tulipifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maryland.
About
Liriodendron tulipifera—known as the tulip tree, American tulip tree, tulipwood, tuliptree, tulip poplar, whitewood, fiddletree, lynn-tree, hickory-poplar, and yellow-poplar—is the North American representative of the two-species genus Liriodendron. It is native to eastern North America from Southern Ontario and possibly southern Quebec west to Illinois, and east to southwestern Massachusetts, then south to central Florida and Louisiana.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liriodendron tulipifera
About the genus
Liriodendron is a genus of two species of characteristically large trees, deciduous over most of their populations, in the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae).
Wikipedia contributors, "Liriodendron", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liriodendron
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Liriodendron
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Liriodendron tulipifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 30.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Liriodendron tulipifera
- Propagation
- Seed, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Liriodendron tulipifera?
Liriodendron tulipifera prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Liriodendron tulipifera need?
Liriodendron tulipifera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Liriodendron tulipifera grow?
Liriodendron tulipifera reaches a height of 30.0 m.
Is Liriodendron tulipifera hardy in the UK?
Liriodendron tulipifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Liriodendron tulipifera?
Seed, Grafting.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- An Act of FaithWhen to plant spring bulbs in the UK — the autumn window, why tulips go in later, planting in borders and pots, the bulb lasagne, and how to care for bulbs so they return year after year.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.