Liriodendron CHINENSE

Liriodendron CHINENSE - Chinese Tulip Tree, Chinese Liriodendron.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

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

Fast-growing deciduous 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. Tree branches are brown, as if coated in wax, and have a spicy scent when snapped. The leaves are broad, light green or green, 12-20 cm (4.7-7.9 in) long.

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

Chinese tulip tree is a species represented by tall deciduous trees reaching 15 to 30 m (49 to 98 ft) in height. Its native range covers the central and southern provinces of the PRC. The trunk of the tree is covered with greenish-brown furrowed bark; shoots and branches have a brownish tinge and are covered with a waxy coating.

The leaves are large and four-lobed. Lighter veins are clearly visible on the green leaf blades. Flowering begins at the age of 8-10 years. Flowers 5-6 cm (2.0-2.4 in) in diameter are tulip-shaped. The petals of the buds are yellow on the inside and greenish on the outside. Cone-like fruits mature in their place, containing seeds inside.

In Russia, Chinese tulip tree began to be cultivated in 1813 at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden (Crimea). At present, the tree can be seen in parks and gardens, as well as on private plots in a wide variety of regions.

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 pre-soaked for 8-12 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants: SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon.

For planting, a soil mix of humus, sod soil, and peat taken in equal proportions is prepared. River sand can be added to the soil for lightness. The substrate is moistened, after which seeds are placed into it to a depth of 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in). The container with the planting, covered with film 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 spot at a temperature of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F), and the cover is removed. As soon as shoots reach a height of 15-18 cm (5.9-7.1 in), they can be transplanted into separate pots. The saplings are planted out into open ground after one year in spring or summer.

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

In group plantings, the distance between trees should be at least 5 m (16 ft). The plant prefers soil with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction that is loose and permeable to water. Poor soils are recommended to be fertilized by adding two buckets of compost or humus per sapling.

Young saplings are watered regularly, and the crown is sprayed from a hose with a specialized nozzle. To stimulate leaf growth and form an attractive crown, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied twice a year. For winter, the plant is sheltered by securing branches to the trunk with 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. Like 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 performed before leaves appear, in early spring.