Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)

The tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, is a major source of honey in its original range in eastern North America. Its exotic flowers appear when the tree is semi-mature. They seem to produce good nectar flow when the weather is warm and dry, but in the UK conditions are rarely optimal for this (!).

Its large striking tulip like flowers are out in the "June gap", however, when there is little else in flower. This makes Liriodendron tulipifera a potentially valuable source of nectar, particularly for honeybees. Its leaves are also very distinctive, and it has a neat, attractive habit as a formal tree, also known as the yellow poplar. Striking autumn colour. Easy to grow and tolerant of most conditions other than alkaline soil and shade. Tulip trees are fully hardy and grow to around 30m - although I reckon the one in the photo, at Stourhead, must be taller. RHS AGM.

Size: 5 litre pot
Flowers: June - July
Soil type: Most well drained soils
Supplier : R.V.Roger
We supply tulip trees bare root, and they are consequently only available from October to April.