LIRIODENDRON tulipifera (Tulip Tree)

The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a large deciduous shade tree with a leaf unlike anything else in an Australian garden: four lobed and squared off at the tip, as though the end has been cut away. Expect around 15m tall and 8m across here, on a straight trunk with a broad upright crown, colouring clear butter yellow in autumn. This listing is ex ground stock, which is how you buy a tree this size without waiting fifteen years for it.

Why you'll love it

• Instant scale. Ex ground trees come in at 6m to 8m, so the shade arrives with the tree rather than a decade later.
• Autumn colour you can count on. The whole canopy turns clear yellow before the leaves fall, which is unusual in a tree this large.
• Fast growing. It puts on height readily in good soil, so a young avenue closes over sooner than most deciduous trees.
• Flowers and bees. Greenish yellow tulip shaped blooms marked with orange open in the upper canopy on mature trees.

Where it works best

Shade tree. This is a large lawn, acreage or parkland tree. Give it at least 8m of clear space in every direction, well away from buildings, paving and services.

Driveways, avenues and feature planting. The upright habit suits a formal avenue: space trees a minimum of 10m apart so the 8m crowns keep their shape. As a single specimen on a wide lawn, the straight trunk and layered crown carry a property entrance alone.

Growing tulip tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. It is frost hardy, so highland and southern districts suit it, and wind tolerant enough for an open site. It is not a tree for tropical or subtropical gardens.

Soil. Deep, moist, well drained soil, slightly acidic for preference. Shallow or compacted ground limits it badly, since the roots want depth to carry the eventual height.

Water and feed. This is not a dry country tree. Water deeply through the first three summers and again in long dry spells. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and hold 75mm of mulch out to the drip line, clear of the trunk.

Pruning. Very little is needed. In the first years remove competing leaders so a single trunk takes charge, then leave it alone. Never top it, because the shape does not recover.

What to expect when it arrives

Ex ground trees are field grown and lifted with a root ball during winter dormancy, which is also when they plant best. Sizes are 6m to 7m and 7m to 8m. The tree arrives leafless, and that is correct: buds break in spring once the roots take hold. Plan the hole, the access and the staking beforehand, because a tree this size cannot be shifted by hand.

Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and delivery is Australia wide. Expect two quiet seasons while the roots rebuild, then the pace picks up. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the ex ground advanced tree range
• How to transplant advanced trees successfully
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Trees and plants with autumn colour

Common questions

How much room does it really need?

At roughly 15m tall and 8m wide it is a big tree. Allow 8m of clearance on all sides, and do not plant it in a small suburban backyard.

When will it flower?

Tulip trees flower once mature. The blooms sit high in the canopy and are easy to miss from underneath, so plant where you see the tree from a distance.

When should it be planted?

Winter, while the tree is dormant. Ex ground stock is lifted in that window, and cool moist soil gives the roots a season to settle before summer.

Will it grow in a warm humid climate?

No. Stick to cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical and tropical areas it struggles, and the autumn colour never really develops.