As the name suggests, the flower of the tulip tree looks similar to a tulip. This also applies to the tulip magnolia, which is colloquially often called the tulip tree, and even to the African tulip tree.
When does a tulip tree bloom?
A tulip tree shows its flowers depending on the species: The American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) blooms from April to June, the Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense) in May and the tulip magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) from April to May. The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) can bloom almost all year round.
However, these are completely different plants, some of which are not even related to each other. A tulip tree (bot. Liriodendron tulipifera) cannot be clearly identified by the flower alone.
When does the tulip tree bloom?
The American tulip tree blooms from April to June. The tulip magnolia shows its flowers around the same time (in April), but only blooms until May. This month you can also admire the flowers of the Chinese tulip tree. An exception is the African tulip tree, which can show its bright red flowers almost all year round.
Can I influence the flowering of my tulip tree?
For lush flowering, the American tulip tree requires not only a certain age but also fresh, moderately moist and slightly acidic soil and plenty of sun. Mild climates suit it particularly well, so that it often blooms more beautifully and luxuriantly than in harsher climates.
So give your tulip tree a sunny and warm place in your garden if possible. By the way, all parts of the tulip tree are poisonous, so you should also keep that in mind when planning to bring the flowers into your home.
Flowering times of the tulip trees:
- African tulip tree (bot. Spathodea campanulata): blooms almost all year round
- American tulip tree (bot. Liriodendron tulipifera): between April and June
- Chinese tulip tree (bot. Liriodendron chinense): May
- Tulip magnolia (bot. Magnolia x soulangeana): April to May
Tip
A tulip tree only blooms when it is about 20 years old.
