Create Your Garden

Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree)

Chinese Tulip Tree

AGM Award
Liriodendron chinense, Chinese Tulip Tree, Fall Color, Tulip Flowers
Liriodendron chinense, Chinese Tulip Tree, Fall Color, Tulip Flowers
Liriodendron chinense, Chinese Tulip Tree, Fall Color, Tulip Flowers

Fast-growing, Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree) is an upright, spreading deciduous tree. In late spring to early summer, tulip-shaped, yellowish-green flowers, 1.5 in. long (4 cm), appear after the leaves on mature trees (at least 12-15 years old). Smaller than those of Liriodendron tulipifera, they may go unnoticed since they are borne high on the tree and after the leaves are fully developed. They are followed by cone-like fruit bearing numerous winged seeds that provide winter interest. The 3-lobed leaves can be as large as 18 in. (45 cm). Emerging burgundy, they turn green as the season progresses before changing to a brilliant golden yellow in fall. Tulip Tree makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 60-80 ft. tall (18-24 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m)
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Propagate by grafting.
  • Native to China, Indochina.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Liriodendron
Common names Tulip Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 60' - 80'
(18.3m - 24.4m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Liriodendron (Tulip Tree) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ (Tulip Tree)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Liriodendron
Common names Tulip Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 60' - 80'
(18.3m - 24.4m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Liriodendron (Tulip Tree) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Liriodendron chinense (Chinese Tulip Tree) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone