As the name suggests, the flower of the tulip tree looks similar to a tulip. This also applies to the tulip magnolia, which is often colloquially called the tulip tree, and even to the African tulip tree.
The flower of the tulip tree resembles a tulip
However, these are very different plants, some of which are not even related to each other. A tulip tree (bot. Liriodendron tulipifera) cannot be clearly identified from the flower alone.
When does the tulip tree bloom?
The American tulip tree flowers from April to June. The Tulip Magnolia blooms around the same time (in April), but only blooms until May. During this month you can also admire the blossoms 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?
In addition to a certain age, the American tulip tree needs fresh, moderately moist and slightly acidic soil and lots of sun for lush flowering. A mild climate suits it particularly well, so that it often blooms more beautifully and luxuriantly there than in a harsher climate.
Therefore, give your tulip tree a sunny and warm place in your garden if possible. Incidentally, all parts of the tulip tree are poisonous, you should also consider this when you want to bring the flowers into the house.
Flowering times of the tulip trees:
- African tulip tree (bot. Spathodea campanulata): capable of flowering 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
tips
A tulip tree does not bloom until it is about 20 years old.