Liriodendron TULIPIFERA

Liriodendron TULIPIFERA - Tulip tree, yellow poplar, tuliptree.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Liriodendron is a genus of plants in the magnolia family (Magnoliaceae), which includes about 20 species of trees and shrubs distributed across temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions from Oslo (Norway) to countries such as Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, and South Africa.

Deciduous fast-growing trees have a pyramidal crown and smooth light gray-green bark when young; with age, the crown acquires more oval shapes, and the bark becomes uneven, with whitish rhombic furrows. The trunk is massive and straight. The branches of the tree are brown, as if coated with wax, and have a spicy scent at the break point. The leaves are broad, light green or green, 12-20 cm (4.7-7.9 in) long.

The flowers, gathered in inflorescences or racemes, closely resemble a tulip bud about 6 cm (2.4 in) long; petals can be yellow, orange, red, pink, or pale green, less often white. The orange corolla has a faint cucumber fragrance. The flowers produce a large amount of nectar. In the eastern part of the United States of America, the tulip tree is considered one of the most prolific honey-producing plants. The flowering period of the tree begins in late May and ends by early July. The fruits of this tree are cone-shaped, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long, and fall off upon ripening.

The tulip tree has large, four-lobed leaves. Lighter veins are clearly traceable on the green leaf blades. Flowering begins at the age of 8-10 years. The flowers, 5-6 cm (2.0-2.4 in) in diameter, have the shape of a tulip. The petals of the buds are yellow inside and greenish on the outside. In their place, cone-shaped fruits mature, inside which seeds are located.

The natural germination rate of Liriodendron seeds is only 10-15%, so it is recommended to use a large quantity of planting material. To improve germination, seeds are presoaked for 8-12 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants: SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon.

For planting, a soil mix is prepared from equal parts of humus, sod soil, and peat. For looseness, river sand can be added to the soil. The substrate is moistened, after which seeds are sown to a depth of 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in). The planting container, covered with plastic wrap or a transparent lid, is kept for 3-4 weeks in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding 10 °C (50 °F). The soil must be regularly moistened and ventilated.

After seedlings emerge, the container is placed in a well-lit location at a temperature of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F), and the cover is removed. As soon as seedlings reach a height of 15-18 cm (5.9-7.1 in), they can be transplanted into individual pots. The young trees are planted into open ground one year later in spring or summer.

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Liriodendron is a light-loving plant, so it is planted in a well-lit location with light shading from direct sunlight. The maintenance temperature in the warm season is 21-24 °C (70-75 °F), in winter 14-18 °C (57-64 °F). In indoor conditions, it can be grown in bonsai style.

When planting in groups, the distance between trees should be at least 5 m (16 ft). The plant prefers soil with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction, loose and permeable. Poor soils are recommended to be fertilized by adding two buckets of compost or humus for each sapling.

Young saplings are regularly watered, and the crown is also sprayed with a hose using a special nozzle. To stimulate leaf growth and the formation of a handsome crown, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied twice a year. For winter, the plant is sheltered by attaching branches to the trunk using rope or wire and covering with spruce branches or any other covering material.

Tulip trees have a wonderful crown and grow rapidly under favorable conditions. As with other members of the family, the roots of this tree are fleshy and break easily with careless handling. Planting directly into the ground can be carried out before leaves emerge, in early spring.