How much is a tulip poplar tree worth

Features and cultivation of the tulip tree

Contents:

• Tulip tree: botanical description
• Tulip tree: when it blooms
• Tulip tree at home
• Tulip tree in Golovinka
• African tulip tree

Tulip tree botanical description

Tulip or tulip tree, or tulip liriodendron (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a very beautiful tree. The tulip tree on Wikipedia also has the following names: tulip poplar, yellow poplar. The genus name Liriodendron comes from the Greek words leirion (lily) and dendron (tree). This name suggests that the flowers of the plant resemble lilies. But it is not so. Both the flowers and leaves of this plant are similar to tulip inflorescences. This tree is called tulip poplar. This fact again leads to confusion, since the tree belongs to the magnolia family, not poplars.

The tulip tree is a large tree, reaching a height of more than 30 m, and in some specimens it reaches a height of up to 100 m. Its homeland is the eastern regions of North America. It is a deciduous and fast growing tree with a tall and straight trunk, and a broad crown that is somewhat less than half its height at maturity. The branches "begin" far up the trunk and are often symmetrical. The lower "branching" is usually absent. The upper branches create a rounded or pyramidal crown; in open areas, the plant has a vertical, oval or conical crown. The trunk has a light gray-green bark and can reach impressive sizes from 1.2 to 1.8 m in diameter. Young trees have a smooth bark, while mature trees have white diamond-shaped bark. Shoots brown, waxy. If the branches are damaged, a sweet spicy aroma can be caught.

Tulip trees can be identified by the shape of their leaves: their shape is unusual, the so-called lyre-shaped. It looks a bit like a tulip flower. Each leaf is simple, wide, with venation. It consists of four short lobes, with a reverse heart-shaped, notched apex. The concavity at the tips of the leaves, or where a typical tip would be expected, suggests that someone came and took a bite out of them! The color of the leaves is light or rich green in spring and summer and golden yellow in autumn. The leaves are quite large, from 12 to 20 cm long.

The flowers are very showy and resemble a tulip bud. They are medium in size (5-8 cm long), yellowish green, tinged with orange (orange streaks at the base of each petal) on the outer side, cupped, "looking" up. Fragrant. Blooms in late spring. But flowers can go unnoticed on large trees because they appear after the leaves have fully expanded. Flowering period: May-June. The flowers give way to dry, oblong, cone-shaped brown fruits, each containing numerous winged seeds.

Tulip Liriodendron grows in full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of humus. Can also adapt to less ideal conditions such as dry soil. Often a tree does not flower until it is at least 15 years old. The tulip tree gives a very large shade. It is planted on lawns or used for large landscapes. As a rule, it is not recommended to plant it as a street tree. The tulip tree is a valuable source of fine wood that is used to make furniture.

Tulip tree when it blooms

The tulip tree impresses and fascinates with its beauty. This is a very unusual, bright and noticeable plant. Usually begins to bloom in late May, blooms until mid-June. Flowers appear after the foliage has blossomed. Sometimes it is difficult to see the buds on large trees, because the leaves hide them. Outwardly, the flower is very similar to a tulip. It should be noted that young trees rarely bloom. Usually a tulip tree begins to delight with its chic flowers only fifteen years after planting! If you want to decorate the garden with flowering trees right now, then it is better to choose another plant and not wait so long for the first buds to appear. Liriodendron is a chic plant for the future. An experienced landscape designer will definitely find a use for it.

Tulip tree at home

Tulip tree can be grown at home in two ways. The first way is to use seeds, and the second is cuttings. If you want to use seeds for propagation, then be sure to choose only fresh seeds. They are obtained from the fruits that form after the flowering of the tree. Ripe fruits fall off, and you can easily get the seeds. The shape is tetrahedral. Seeds are planted in a spacious container, the soil is universal. If you propagate the tree with seeds, then be patient. The tree will grow very slowly. It is best to use the second method - to propagate liriodendron by cuttings.

Home care. This plant loves moist soils, but is afraid of excessive waterlogging. The soil must be drained. Clay, loamy and even sandy soils are suitable. It can grow on acidic and neutral soils. The top layer should be more nutritious, chernozems are suitable. Twice a year, you can feed complex fertilizers. If you grew a tree in a container, then you can plant it in the ground at any time, except for the winter period. The tulip tree perfectly tolerates Ukrainian frosts. Not afraid of thirty degrees of frost. The tree adapts well to urban conditions, to noise, dust. It rarely gets sick, and is also damaged by fungi.

Pay close attention to the landing site. Tulip tree loves space, does not grow well next to other large trees. If your garden is very small, then it is better to refrain from planting liriodendron. This tree will look spectacular in large city parks and gardens, as well as in spacious private areas. Not suitable for a regular summer house or for a home mini-garden. A mature tree gives a huge shade. This has its pros and cons. Under the shade of a tree, you can put benches for rest. But if your garden is very small, then the shade will take up the entire space, and this will have a bad effect on the growth and development of herbs or flowers.

If you want to decorate your garden with this plant, then you are unlikely to encounter difficulties, Liriodendron adapts well to any conditions, it will certainly delight you with its beauty.

Tulip tree in Golovinka

A unique copy of the tulip tree grows in Sochi, to be more precise, in the village of Golovinka, Lazarevsky District. Many plant lovers specially come to see and photograph this majestic and incredibly beautiful tree! What is its uniqueness? This specimen fascinates with its huge size. The height of the tree is thirty meters, the diameter of the trunk is 2. 4 meters, and the size of the crown is as much as 27 meters. Even ten people cannot hug this mighty tree.

This tree is said to be three hundred years old! It was struck by lightning, but still the tree continues to grow and develop. According to legend, this tree grew in North America, but in 1813 it was brought to the Yalta Botanical Garden, and from there it came to Golovinka. General Raevsky brought him to Russia in 1840.

Many tourists specially come to this tree. They say that if you sit in its shade, you can be cured of various diseases. Some people hide coins in the hollow of a tree, because it brings good luck, as well as wealth. You can come to the tree on your own or as part of a tourist group. Many guides bring people from different parts of the world to this tree.

African tulip tree

African tulip tree is also called Spathodea campanulata. This is a beautiful tree from the Begonia family, which pleases and impresses with very abundant and bright flowering. Plant sizes - from seven to twenty-five meters! The flowers are bell-shaped, the color is yellow, red-orange. Outwardly, the flowers are similar to a tulip, but collected in brushes. Always look up, height - up to 20 centimeters. The buds often collect moisture from the rain, which attracts various birds.

Growing an African tree in your garden

If you want to complement and decorate your garden with this gorgeous plant, then you need to know the basic rules for caring for a plant. Choose a sunny and bright place to plant. It is necessary to water the tree often, but in moderation. No need to overmoisten the ground, dry periods also have a bad effect on the plant. Grows best in nutritious soils, although it can also grow in poor soils. Seeds are best planted in loose and moist soil, covered with foil. In summer, as well as in spring, once a month it is better to fertilize your tree with special fertilizers. The African tulip tree begins to bloom in the third year after planting, but not earlier.

The optimum temperature for summer is up to 26 degrees above zero, and for winter - 16 degrees below zero. Therefore, it is impossible to plant a tree in the north of Ukraine.

Read also Ranunculus (buttercup) growing rules…

Published: 01/05/2021

Tags: tulip liriodendron tulip tree

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Tulip tree (Liriodendron): features and cultivation

Tulips growing on a tree are not an invention at all. The tulip tree (liriodendron) really exists and during flowering attracts the eye like a magnet. And you can see this extraordinary beauty not only in the botanical garden or abroad. You can always order a tulip tree and indoor flowers in Dnipro on our website. Liriodendron may well take root in any area. Let's consider together what features this species has and what is needed in order for such an exotic plant to grow in your garden.

Tulip tree description

Tulip or tulip tree (liriodendron, white tree, yellow poplar, tulip poplar) is a bright representative of the Magnolia family. The plant looks majestic, and not only its inflorescences, but also the leaves look like tulips.

Liriodendron is a deciduous tree that is of North American origin, more specifically, it comes from the eastern parts of the continent. The plant can grow up to 50 meters or more. There are cases when a tulip tree could even reach 100 meters in height. The mighty trunk of liriodendron is straight, in a section from one to one and a half or more meters. The bark has a gray tint with an admixture of green, absolutely smooth in young plants and with small light furrows in old ones.

The tulip tree grows rather quickly. Its spreading crown can be an excellent shelter from the scorching sun. The branches in the lower part of the trunk do not grow, but form a round or conical crown at the top. Shoots are symmetrical, dark brown. If you break a branch, you can feel a pleasant sweet smell. The tulip tree is so delightful that it is not difficult to distinguish it from other flowering trees. It is difficult to take your eyes off the plant during flowering, and when in autumn the foliage acquires a golden hue.

Lyriodendron leaves are so unusual that their shape got its personal name - lyre-shaped. The leaves are wide and long (up to 20 centimeters in diameter), carved, with white veins, smooth, have four lobes with concave edges. The shade of the foliage changes depending on the season of the year: in spring, young leaves are bright green, in summer they become even richer, and in autumn they turn yellow with a golden tint.

But the main treasure of the tulip tree is the flowers. They have exactly the same glass shape as the usual tulips for us, 5-8 centimeters in size. Color - yellow-green with bright orange lines at the base of the buds. The flowers of the tulip tree exude a fresh aroma, slightly reminiscent of cucumber. Flowering of liriodendron begins from May-June. It is worth noting that young trees do not bloom. The first inflorescences can be seen only ten years after planting. When the flowering period ends, brown pyramidal fruits with seeds will appear in place of the buds.

Species of tulip tree

There are three types of tulip tree known in the world: American liriodendron, Chinese liriodendron and campanulate spathodea.

American liriodendron

The American tulip tree is the largest member of the genus. Its mighty columnar trunk is unmistakable. American liriodendron grows quickly. He loves heat and high humidity, frost resistance is low. The tree blooms with tulip-shaped inflorescences of pale yellow color with an orange core. The enticing aroma of American liriodendron attracts with hints of chocolate. The leaves of the plant are large, up to 25 cm in diameter, bluish-green in color. The American tulip tree is a symbol of some states of this state.

Liriodendron chinensis

If you're looking for an original plant for your hedge or your garden design, don't lose sight of the Chinese tulip tree. Liriodendron Chinese does not grow above 10-15 meters and has a neat crown. The inflorescences of this species differ from their relatives in that they do not have orange stripes and the overall color of the bud is closer to light green. Chinese Liriodendron loves rich soils, high humidity and moderate temperatures.

African Liriodendron (Spathodea campanulata)

African Liriodendron has nothing to do with tulip trees. The plant does not even belong to the Magnoliaceae, but to the Bignoniaceae. However, Spatodea bell-shaped is very reminiscent of liriodendrons in appearance. Other names of the plant are ball lightning, fountain. The species has an impressive flowering - fiery red and bright orange buds grow on each tree in large numbers and look contrastingly against the background of green foliage. The birthplace of the tree is West Africa. Likes lots of sun and high humidity.

Growing a tulip tree at home

A great tulip tree can be successfully grown at home. However, before you start gardening, make a sensible assessment of the size of your site. Would such a giant as liriodendron be appropriate on it? Also keep in mind that the crown of a tulip tree gives a lot of shade, which may be undesirable for nearby green spaces.

Seed cultivation

Many plant growers believe that it is impossible to grow liriodendron from seeds. Of course, first of all, those who tried and did not succeed are subjected to these doubts. However, everything is possible. The main thing is to clearly follow all the requirements.

So, first you need to get the seeds. It is not difficult to do this - the grains are in the pyramid fruits, which appear in the fall in place of the buds. By the end of the warm season, they themselves get enough sleep from their “storage”. Also, before planting liriodendron seeds, it should be borne in mind that they germinate for an extremely long time. You will see the first sprouts only after 1.5 years (if they were sown at the end of autumn). But it is possible to carry out a stratification procedure that imitates the change of periods of the year (alternately cold and warm effects).

Before planting, the seeds of a tulip tree must be kept in a container with water for 2 days, changing the water for a new one a couple of times. Next, you need to prepare a container with universal soil. In principle, you can plant a seed in pyramids, they don’t really interfere. But if there is not enough space in the container, then it is better to remove them. Evenly distribute the seeds over the surface of the substrate, deepening them no more than 2 centimeters.

Then the seedlings should be watered, covered with a layer of foliage (for the period of cold weather) and put the box in a dark, cold place. It is best to plant liriodendron seeds before the onset of winter - this way you can put them to hibernation and not bother with regular checks for mold, etc.

The only thing to remember is to water the seedlings moderately (as soon as the top layer dries up), and during severe frosts cover the leaves with a layer of snow. Such actions must be repeated throughout the year. It is impossible to plant seeds directly in open ground for the simple reason that rodents will definitely find them over such a long period.

Now all you need is patience. And even if nothing rises by the summer, one should not despair. Never throw away soil or stop watering. The tulip tree sprouts just need a little more time. Rare and beautiful plant species teach patience. Just trust nature and turn your attention to other seedlings. The same magnolias will sprout much faster. And, in order not to forget about the tulip tree, sow small annuals (for example, parsley, dill) in a container for them. So you will not forget about watering, and healthy greenery will never be superfluous.

A huge plus of the tulip tree is that although its seeds germinate slowly, the growth of the emerging sprouts is extremely rapid. So, in one summer, liriodendron seedlings will grow to a mark of 1.5 - 2 meters. However, not all of them will be the same size. Some grow faster, some - not as fast as we would like. The growth rate of tulip tree seedlings also depends on the sowing density. However, over time, after transplanting the sprouts into open ground, the short ones will catch up with those that are taller.

However, there is a possibility that a certain proportion of the seeds of the tulip tree will sprout in half a year, and not a year and a half, as one would expect. But the rest will have to wait, of course, longer. In subsequent seasons, the growth of liriodendron will only gain momentum. And, although the beautiful flowering will still have to wait a very long time, the lush foliage and dense crown of the tree will serve as a wonderful decoration of the garden.

Propagation by cuttings

Growers most often resort to the method of propagating tulip trees by cuttings, as it is considered the least troublesome and at the same time the most effective. The youngest shoots, which appear already in early June, are suitable for rooting. Carefully cut them with a sharp knife with a disinfected blade and place them in pots with pre-prepared potting mix. No additional growth stimulants are needed. To avoid frequent transplants, choose large enough pots for seedlings, since the root system of liriodendron shoots is fleshy and large. The timing of the formation of the rhizome is two seasons, so it is still far from landing on the garden. But, when this day comes, when performing garden work, use the transshipment method and try not to violate the integrity of the earthen coma.

Propagation by grafting

Propagation by grafting involves the combination of a rootstock with a shoot, which should subsequently become a full-fledged, independent organism. Propagation by grafting is a vegetative method that helps to preserve the varietal qualities of a particular tulip tree. The graft shoot should be located as close as possible to the rhizome of the plant, and the rootstock can be, for example, a three-year-old rhododendron with a height of 5 to 10 cm.

Preparation for propagation by grafting must be carried out in advance. So, even before the onset of the first frost, dig and place the plant in a container. Next, you need to choose the optimal container for the stock: any one with a diameter of at least 10 mm will do. The stock placed in a container with water must be kept in a room where a constant temperature will be maintained - no more than 10 degrees above zero. Approximately 15 days before vaccination, the volume and frequency of watering the rootstock should be increased several times. You can start breeding liriodendron at the end of March. Decide on the place of vaccination. Then bandage it. Prepare a regular transparent bag, put it on the seedlings and tie at the base. In this form, place the cutting with a stock on the window in a room with a temperature of 17 to 23 degrees. As soon as you notice the swelling of the kidneys (and this will happen somewhere after a month and a half), remove the bag and cut the stock in half. When propagating liriodendron by grafting, accuracy and accuracy are very important, as well as further care of the plant.

Propagation by layering

Propagation by layering is the least common method of reproduction of Liriodendron, which requires certain skills and dexterity. Before the onset of the first frost, the lower shoots of the tulip tree must be bent to the ground, pinned, and then sprinkled with soil so that only the very tops of the branches are visible. In the spring, as soon as the first buds begin to swell, the shoots will need to be looped. This will help rooting, which will occur by next spring. By this time it will be possible to separate the sprout from the donor tree. However, if the rhizome is still not too strong, it is better to postpone this procedure until the next season.

Caring for the tulip tree

Tulip poplar can grow without problems both indoors and outdoors. In fact, caring for a tulip tree is no more difficult than caring for bamboo, however, certain rules should still be followed.

Location and soil

In principle, the tulip tree can be planted anywhere in your garden. The only thing you should still pay attention to is the degree of illumination and neighboring plantings. Liriodendron grows very intensively and gives a sickly shadow, which can negatively affect other crops.

As for the type of soil, it is best not to plant the tree in a clay substrate, as clay does not pass moisture and air well. But, an admixture of lowland peat and river sand will help to make this type of soil more air and water permeable. Liriodendron planted on sandy soils will also need additional care in the form of special fertilizers. Humus and compost are considered useful additives for a tulip tree. But a couple of years after planting, liriodendron can not be fertilized. Observe the tree at this time: whether it has taken root well, how it reacts to drought, rains, winds and cold snaps.

The optimal substrate for liriodendron is soil with neutral or weak acidity. Also, do not neglect the recommendations regarding the process of planting a tree. So, the landing pit should be prepared for another 7 days before disembarkation. Its dimensions should be 1.5-2 times larger than the root system of a tulip tree. Do not forget about a good drainage layer (small pieces of brick or gravel will do), as stagnation of moisture in the soil can cause the plant to rot. The excavated soil should also not be thrown away: sprinkle the roots of the tree with one half, and add mineral fertilizers to the second.

Lighting

Tulip tree thrives in plenty of sunlight even on the hottest afternoon. Therefore, when disembarking, give preference to the south side of the site, which will be protected from winds and drafts. Strong winds pose a particularly great threat to the fragile branches of the liriodendron - they may simply not withstand and break.

Humidity

Although the tulip tree prefers moist soils, its root system can get sick from excess moisture in the soil. When watering, be guided by weather conditions: in the heat, increase the amount of moisture, and in the fall - reduce. Liriodendron is also sensitive to air humidity. The best mark is considered to be 65-70%, however, the plant will survive short periods of drought normally.

Temperature

Heat-loving liriodendron normally tolerates frost. Conversely, in arid regions, the species is likely to grow at a weakened and slow pace. But, if you are growing a tulip tree at home, you should also be aware of the specific requirements of the species. So, the average daily temperature in the room should not exceed +25 degrees in summer and not fall below +10 degrees in winter. Also, do not place a pot with a plant near heating equipment, at the front door and near the window.

Watering

As mentioned earlier, the tulip tree does not like waterlogging. While the tree is still quite young, try to water it with lukewarm water. Also, it will not be superfluous to water the liriodendron crown from a hose with a special spray nozzle. But it is imperative to resort to this method of watering after sunset, so that drops on the leaves under the influence of rays do not provoke burns.

Fertilizers

The first fertilizing should be planned a year after planting, in early March. To begin with, liriodendron will need mineral nitrogen-containing supplements, and a little later - potassium and phosphorus. In the autumn of the same year, gardeners recommend fertilizing the tulip tree with organic matter. Even specially prepared bird droppings will do. The collected litter must be mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 2 and left in this form for 3-4 days. Then water must be added to the mixture again and only in this form should be added to the soil.

Preparing for winter

The frost resistance of the tulip tree is up to -30°C. Given this fact, you might think that in winter the plant does not need care and any special conditions. But it is not so. In order for the liriodendron to winter calmly, preparations for the cold must begin in the fall.

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