Chinese tulip tree

Chinese tulip tree: how do you recognise it?

Habit

Tall tree 15–20 m high and 8–10 m wide, with a straight trunk and a narrow to egg-shaped crown.

Leaves

Saddle-shaped, usually four-lobed with a cut-off tip, more deeply lobed than on the American tulip tree; underside grey-green; butter-yellow in autumn.

Flower

Tulip-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers about 5 cm across with an orange band, in May–June; often only on older trees.

Fruit

Cone-shaped clusters of winged nutlets (samaras) that stay on the tree in winter.

Roots

Fleshy, brittle roots: the tree transplants badly and dislikes disturbance.

Flowering: May–June · Plants: March–April and October–December · Pruning: January–February

Why grow it?

• A distinctive, imposing tree with a straight trunk and striking leaves, less common than the American tulip tree.
• The saddle-shaped leaves turn butter-yellow in autumn.
• The tulip-shaped flowers in May–June are rich in nectar and attract bees and bumblebees.
• Gives plenty of shade in a garden with lots of space.
• The cone-like fruits stay on the tree in winter and are decorative.

Chinese tulip tree: where does it grow best?

• Sun to half shade; it flowers and colours best in the sun.
• Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive and free-draining soil: sand or loam, acid to neutral. Chalky soil gives pale leaves.
• Evenly moist; neither too dry nor waterlogged.
• Sheltered from cold, dry winds; the tree is less hardy than its American relative.
• Allow at least 8–10 m of space around the trunk, including from buildings.

Light

Sun and partial shade

Soil type

Sand or loam

Acidity

Acid or neutral

Moisture

Normal

Size

20 m tall, 10 m wide

Hardiness

Hardy (to -20 °C)

Goes well with

• Rhododendron: Likes the light shade and acid soil under the tree.
• Hosta: Large leaves under the crown, in the same half shade.
• Ferns: A fresh underplanting that feels at home in light shade.
• Hellebore: Flowers early in the year beneath the still-bare tree.

Chinese tulip tree: when and how to plant it?

Plant in March–April and October–December.

1. Plant preferably in March–April; planting from October to December is possible if the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged.
2. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen the bottom and sides.
3. Set the tree at the same depth as in its pot or nursery, with the root collar at soil level. Backfill with loose soil and compost, taking care not to damage the fleshy roots.
4. Put in a stake and tie the tree loosely; remove the tie after two to three years.
5. Water in with 20–30 litres straight away and spread 5–8 cm of mulch around the base, keeping it off the trunk.

Care

Water

For the first years, a good soaking (20–30 litres) every week in dry weather. Older trees also appreciate water in a dry summer.

Feeding

A spade of compost around the tree in spring; chemical fertiliser is usually not needed.

Mulching

A layer of leaf mould or bark keeps the soil cool and moist; keep the trunk clear.

Training

Keep a straight, continuous leader and remove competing tops early.

Flowering

Young trees do not flower; allow many years. A sunny spot helps.

Tip: Plant it in spring in deep, acid to neutral, sheltered soil without disturbing the fleshy roots; allow plenty of space, because it grows big.

Chinese tulip tree: when to prune it?

Pruning months: January–February.

When: As little as possible. Formative pruning of young trees can be done in January–February, on a frost-free day; dead branches can be removed all year.

How:

• Choose one continuous leader and remove competing tops.
• Take out dead, damaged and crossing branches.
• Raise the crown gradually by removing the lowest branches if you want a tall trunk.
• Keep cuts small; better a few small branches than one thick one.

Caution: Do not cut back the top and do not prune hard: the tree recovers slowly and its wounds heal poorly.

Pruning: when and how · Pruning calendar and basic rules

Propagation

Seed

Sow fresh seed outdoors in autumn, or keep it cool and moist for two to three months and sow in spring. Only some of the seed is fertile, so sow plenty.

Grafting

Special cultivars are grafted by a nursery; this is difficult at home.

Chinese tulip tree: how does it get through the winter?

Hardy to −20 °C.

• Hardy to about −20 °C: usually no protection is needed in Belgium, but plant it in a sheltered spot.
• Young trees: lay a mulch around the base and protect the trunk with hessian in severe frost.
• In winter the tree is bare; the cone-like fruits and the straight trunk then show up well.

Diseases and pests

• Aphids and honeydew: Sticky leaves and black sooty mould in summer. Do not park a car or put garden furniture under the tree; natural enemies such as ladybirds clear the aphids.
• Yellow leaves: Pale leaves with green veins (chlorosis) on chalky soil. Give acidic compost and avoid liming.
• Dry leaf edges: Brown, dried-out leaf edges in drought and strong wind. Water young trees generously and provide shelter.
• Branch breakage: The wood is fairly brittle. Choose a sheltered spot and give a good structure.
• No flowers: Young trees do not flower yet; be patient and give no nitrogen-rich fertiliser.

Through the year

• January: Formative pruning if needed on a frost-free day.
• February: Formative pruning if needed on a frost-free day.
• March: Plant. Put compost around the tree.
• April: Plant. Apply or top up the mulch. The leaves emerge.
• May: Flowering begins on older trees.
• June: In flower. Water young trees in dry weather.
• July: Water in dry weather. Watch for aphids.
• September: The cone-like fruits become visible.
• October: Butter-yellow autumn colour. Plant.
• November: Leaf fall. Top up the mulch.
• December: Rest. Planting is possible as long as the soil is not frozen.

Good for wildlife

Bees

Nectar and pollen for honeybees and wild bees.

Did you know?

• The genus Liriodendron has only two species: the American and the Chinese tulip tree, which grow far apart.
• Tulip trees belong to the magnolia family, despite their name and flower shape.
• The genus name comes from the Greek ‘leirion’ (lily) and ‘dendron’ (tree): lily tree.