Quite a variety of plants are traded under the name tulip tree, which could well 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.

The "real" tulip tree is the American tulip tree

Real and fake tulip trees

Plants that are classified in the genus of tulip trees, i.e. the American tulip tree and the Chinese tulip tree, are called genuine. The African tulip tree is also considered genuine, 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 to some extent also to the Chinese tulip tree.

The best location for a tulip tree

The American Tulip Tree grows up to 30 or 40 feet tall and grows rapidly. It needs a lot of space and a light, wind-protected location with fresh, slightly acidic soil. Under these optimal conditions, profuse flowering is quite likely, but only after at least 20 years of age.

Proper planting and care for a tulip tree

You should plant a tulip tree outside of the vegetation period 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 foliage and flowers. During this time he should also be fertilized. The use of rhododendron fertilizer or well-ripened compost is recommended. You should only cut the young tree, a radical cut is not well tolerated.

The essentials in brief:

  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • Soil: fresh, slightly acidic
  • Space required: large
  • Flowering period: between April and June
  • Flower color: greenish
  • blooms late, at least 20 years old
  • Water sufficiently, especially during prolonged drought
  • fertilize regularly from spring to autumn
  • recommended fertilizer: rhododendron fertilizer
  • crop as little as possible
  • hardy

tips

The tulip tree does not like to be transplanted or heavily pruned, but is otherwise quite easy to care for.

Category:

Trees