- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 60 - 90 Feet
- Mature Spread 30 - 50 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 9
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 Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Tree |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 60 - 90 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 30 - 50 Feet |
| Spacing: 30 - 50 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Orange, Yellow |
| Flower Description: Yellow-Orange |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Bronze |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Bees |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Erosion Control, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Tulip Tree |
| Other Name(s): Tulip Tree |
| Scientific Name: Liriodendron tulipifera |
- SKU:
- 1231012802-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know 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
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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
#3 Pot
Also Know 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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
