Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Tulip Tree is a shade tree that makes for a fantastic element in a large garden. The size of Liriodendron tulipifera is an impressive 90 feet tall with up to a 50-foot canopy when grown in its native habitat of Eastern North America. The stunning yellow-and-orange-colored flowers resemble tulips and appear from May to June. Blooming is better in climates with long, hot summers, like Indiana or Tennessee, where this tree is classified as the state tree.
Mature Tulip Trees make excellent habitat for local wildlife. The nectar of the flowers attracts beneficial pollinators in droves. The fruits and winged seeds provide nutrition for birds and other small animals. The canopy provides shelter and camouflage. Tulip Tree grows quickly, putting on 24 inches of growth a year. In the past, the long straight trunks of this tree were used exclusively for railroad ties and fence posts. The tall trunk and long branches are stately but also prone to breakage during winter storms.
Tulip Tree Care
Tulip Trees can be grown in many different soil types. Choose a full-sun location that’s at least 30 feet away from building foundations and streets. Tulip Tree is not appropriate for small yards or areas with overhead power lines or building eaves. The wide-spreading fibrous roots naturally grow close to the soil surface and do not tolerate competition for moisture from other plants, although they are immune to the effects of Juglone from Black Walnut trees in the soil. Tulip Trees can tolerate wet soil year-round and clay soils with ease. Fertilizing is only needed for the first few years. Use a balanced, granular fertilizer early in the spring. Stake the trunk loosely for the first year.
Pruning is an essential maintenance task for Tulip Tree. Branches can break in storms and pose a hazard to buildings and plants below. Damaged limbs must be removed in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Regular thinning of the canopy should also be done during dormancy every 3-4 years to prevent large amounts of water sprouts from forming. Heading cuts can be made on the canopy to keep the overall height short, but this will need to be done regularly to keep the tree to size.
Tulip Tree Spacing
Tulip Trees grow best on their own as specimens in the landscape. The roots are very shallow and do not tolerate competition from other plants.
Tulip Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 60-90 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 30-50 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Orange, Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow-Orange
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green, Bronze
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Tulip Tree
- Also Known As
- Tulip Tree
- Botanical Name
- Liriodendron tulipifera
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!