Plant a tulip tree

Liriodendron tulipifera is commonly known as the tulip tree because its soft buttery yellow flowers are shaped like tulips high up in the branches. It’s a fast growing, deciduous tree with wonderfully lobed, rich green leaves and a very attractive mottled bark.

This is no ordinary tree and not for the faint hearted as it can grow to a staggering 12m (40ft) or more. It’s a jaw-dropping tree, ideal to grow as a specimen in a large garden, but it can also be pruned and kept in check for medium gardens too.

Tree for all seasons

• In spring the bright green fresh growth clothes the stems and adds that bright, leafy cloak to the branches.
• In summer mature trees bear greeny, yellow orange tulip shaped flowers that look exotic and are quite exquisite.
• In autumn the beautiful, large lobed leaves turn from rich green to the richest, buttery yellow and hang onto the stems deep into autumn.
• And in winter the grey, steely bark is mottled and interesting in the winter light.

Growing tips

• This tree needs a bit of space. Plant it in the open with plenty of room to grow.
• Plant in sun or partial shade.
• It’s not really suitable for growing in a container.
• Improve the soil before planting using Richard Jackson’s Premium Multi Purpose Compost for the best possible results. It enhances drainage and root development and is enriched with Flower Power nutrients, extra wetting agent, Root Booster humates and seaweed extract to give your plants a great start to the season.
• Feed regularly throughout the growing season with Flower Power to get the very best from your plants and masses more flowers.

This guest post comes from our friends at Hayloft Plants.