Very different plants are traded under the name tulip tree; these could definitely be divided into real and fake tulip trees. The classic tulip tree is the Liriodendron tulipifera, the American tulip tree. However, all types are decorative.
How should you plant and care for the tulip tree?
The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) requires a sunny to partially shaded location, fresh, slightly acidic soil and plenty of space to grow. It only blooms after at least 20 years and should be watered sufficiently and fertilized regularly. Severe pruning is not recommended.
Real and fake tulip trees
The plants classified in the genus of tulip trees, i.e. the American tulip tree and the Chinese tulip tree, are considered real. The African tulip tree is also considered real, but is not related to the other two. The tulip magnolia, which is related to the tulip trees, is considered fake. This profile refers to the American tulip tree (bot. Liriodendron tulipifera), and also to the Chinese tulip tree.
The best location for a tulip tree
The American tulip tree grows up to 30 or 40 tall and grows quickly. It needs a lot of space and a bright, wind-protected location with fresh, slightly acidic soil. Under these optimal conditions, abundant flowering is quite likely, but only after at least 20 years of age.
Planting and caring for a tulip tree properly
You should plant a tulip tree outside the growing season in a frost-free period. In a mild area this is possible from October to March. In a harsh, frosty region, it is best to plant the tree in early spring. Transplanting is not recommended.
Caring for the tulip tree is not difficult. It needs plenty of water as long as it has leaves and flowers. It should also be fertilized during this time. It is recommended to use rhododendron fertilizer or well-ripened compost. You should only cut the young tree, a radical cut is not tolerated well.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Soil: fresh, slightly acidic
- Space required: large
- Flowering time: between April and June
- Flower color: greenish
- blooms late, at least 20 years old
- water sufficiently, especially during long periods of drought
- fertilize regularly from spring to autumn
- recommended fertilizer: rhododendron fertilizer
- prune as little as possible
- hardy
Tip
The tulip tree does not like to be transplanted or heavily pruned, but is otherwise quite easy to care for.