The genus of tulip trees (bot. Liriodendron) includes only two species, namely the American and Chinese tulip trees, which are very similar. There is also the related tulip magnolia and the African tulip tree, which is not related to the others.
What types of tulip trees are there?
There are two types of true tulip trees: the American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and the Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense). The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) is only distantly related, while the tulip magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is referred to as a “fake” tulip tree.
The tulip trees get their name from the shape of their flowers. It is reminiscent of the popular spring flower. The colors, however, are very different. While the tulip magnolia shows delicate pastel tones, the flowers of the African tulip tree are bright red.
The real tulip trees
The real tulip trees often only include the plants of the genus of the same name, i.e. the American and Chinese tulip trees. The African tulip tree is sometimes referred to as real, but it belongs to the trumpet tree family, is not hardy and is ideal as a houseplant or for planting in the winter garden.
Both the Chinese and the American tulip tree are suitable as garden plants. However, both grow very large and require a lot of space. They prefer a sunny location with nutrient-rich, rather acidic soil.
The Chinese tulip tree remains significantly smaller at around 18 meters high and blooms in May. The flowering period of the American tulip tree is from April to May. It can grow to a height of around 30 to 40 meters. Both trees shed their leaves in autumn, but are hardy. Since they have quite sensitive roots, they should not be transplanted if possible.
Real tulip trees:
- African tulip tree, bot. Spathodea campanulata
- American tulip tree, bot. Liriodendron tulipifera
- Chinese tulip tree, bot. Liriodendron chinense
The “fake” tulip trees
The only thing that is actually called a “fake” tulip tree is the tulip magnolia. It is very often found in home gardens. There it grows more like a bush and is around five to nine meters high. In spring it shows its delicate flowers, which can be white, pink or light purple. With age, not only does the tree grow, but also its abundance of flowers.
The fake tulip tree:
Tulip Magnolia, bot. Magnolia x soulangeana
Tip
The significantly smaller African tulip tree (maximum height approx. eight meters) absolutely needs warmth, it is not suitable for outdoor planting, but is an ornament in the winter garden.
