Tulip tree at home. When the tulip tree blooms

Owners of small country houses and home gardens are often interested in growing ornamental plants... And planting a tulip tree is a great way to make your garden more attractive, unique and creative. But growing such a green space in insufficiently favorable conditions is not at all easy. You will have to be patient and put in a number of efforts.

general information

Liriodendron, or tulip tree, is a representative of an oligotypic genus of flowering plants from the Magnoliaceae family. Often it is called yellow poplar, although this is not entirely correct, because the species are very different from each other and have no related similarities. At the flowering stage, the tree is covered with fantastically beautiful flowers, which become a bright decoration of the site. The size of the flowers is large enough, while they are somewhat similar to a bud. The flowering of the tulip tree is accompanied by a special spicy scent that cannot be confused with others.

The cultivation of tulip liriodendron in the Moscow region is of interest to many residents of this region, which is not surprising.

An invaluable advantage of the plant is the low weight of wood, so it is often used as a basis for elite plywood and musical instruments. As it grows, the trunk of the tree becomes straight and massive; the rhizome has a pivotal appearance. In the autumn, the color begins to change, and the ripening fruit takes on a cone-shaped oblong shape. Its length reaches 5 centimeters. Scientists distinguish three types of plants:

1. North American liriodendron.
2. Chinese.
3. Bell-shaped spatodea.

Characteristics of existing species

If we talk about the American variety, then it is famous for its excellent decorative properties, growing to an impressive size and having a columnar slender trunk. The height of the crown can reach 50 meters if the conditions of detention correspond to the required ones. In their shape, the flowers are similar to tulip, and the leaves resemble musical instrument lyre.

The color of the inflorescences is represented by bluish, green and light shades. Their length is about 15 centimeters. In the autumn, the leaves turn golden. By the way, the plant is considered the national symbol of individual states.

As for the Chinese liriodendron, it is in great demand among fans of exotic vegetation with an unpretentious character and unique appearance. As it grows, the plant turns into a powerful tree up to 15 meters high. Sometimes it takes the form of a bush, expanding in width.

Considering climatic conditions, in which the Chinese species grows, when kept at home, it is necessary to provide it with high humidity. For reproduction, the seed method is used, and the maximum percentage of germination is observed on wet soil. The fastest growing rate is seen in hybrid varieties.

Botanical description

The tulip tree is a large deciduous plant with a thick bark that has deep grooves (the bark of young shoots is smooth). Under natural conditions, a tulip tree grows up to 30 meters, but there are also 50-meter specimens. Rapid growth is among the key advantages of the species. It is known that over a year of life, a liriodendron grows 1 meter in height and 20 centimeters in width. It is classified as a centenarian capable of functioning normally for 5 centuries. As it develops, the trunk diameter reaches two meters.

The high decorativeness of the plant is emphasized by the huge columnar trunk, over which the light gray bark is scattered. As it grows, it cracks and gives off a pleasant aroma. Its surface is completely smooth at first, but after some time, diamond-shaped cracks appear on it.

Also, the tree is famous for its lush crown with beautiful foliage. In young representatives of the species, it is pyramidal, but over time it turns into a rounded one. The branches are colored brown or dark brown and have a characteristic sheen. A mature tree can be a good source of natural shade.

Before purchasing exotic seedlings and starting home cultivation, it is necessary to clarify the natural growing environment. According to official figures, the plant was brought to the European continent from eastern North America, although another common species is widespread in the Far East.

Currently, a large representative of exotic flora is in great demand on different continents and in different countries from the north of Norway to southern countries such as Peru, Chile, South Africa, etc.

When breeding at home, the species does not show an aggressive attitude towards other growing plantations. It is not difficult to grow a tulip tree in the Moscow region, but before that you need to carefully study some of the intricacies of care. Due to its excellent resistance to extreme low temperatures culture tolerates Moscow cold well.

The subtleties of home growing

If someone decides to grow a tulip tree at home, special attention must be paid to choosing a promising place for planting. Regardless of the general geographical features, whether it is the Sochi subtropics or the cool suburbs of Moscow, the conditions of detention must be appropriate. Special productivity of growth is observed on a sandy loam substrate or in chernozem.

As for the methods of reproduction, they include:

At the initial stage of maintenance, it is necessary to protect the culture from the effects of drafts, therefore it is unreasonable to put a pot with a seedling on the windowsill, at the entrance to the room or near the air conditioner. Optimal temperature regime for the summer period should be + 20 ... + 26 degrees Celsius, and for winter - not less than + 10 ... + 12 degrees.

When grown in an urban environment, the correct humidity level must be maintained. The optimal figure is about 65 percent. If there is not enough moisture, instead of a beautiful flowering and the formation of a lush crown, you can get drying leaves and withering inflorescences. To solve the problem, a container of water is placed near the pot.

It is also necessary to regularly spray the leaves and feed the soil. various fertilizers, including complex formulations. Transfer activities are possible at any time except in winter.

An unpretentious exotic species freely takes root in the central black earth regions, while the methods of reproduction used can be very different. The flowering period is from May to mid June, depending on the current air temperature and weather conditions.

The tree grows well in sandy, clayey and moist soil. The main thing is that it has an optimal drainage layer.

The presence of stagnant phenomena in the substrate causes decay of the root system and the appearance of numerous diseases. The chosen landing site should be well lit by the sun. otherwise the flowering will not be good enough.

Seed reproduction

Most gardeners practice the seed propagation method of the magnolia tulip tree. Planting from seeds is considered the easiest and most productive, while in order to avoid problems, you need to listen to the advice of experienced colleagues. It is customary to carry out the procedure in the fall, before winter. In this case, a box with a soil substrate is preliminarily prepared and the seeds are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate or ordinary water. It is important to change the liquid in the container twice daily.

The planting material must be deepened by 1.5 centimeters, and then the soil must be poured and covered with a thick layer of leaves. In the end, it remains to send the box for winter storage to a cool place, for example, an ordinary plastic greenhouse. As it warms, the foliage should be removed from the container.

The grown seedling is best placed in a sunny or slightly shaded place, while the preparation of the planting recess should be done 5-7 days before planting. The size of such a pit is determined by the size of the root system.

Before filling the seedling, you need to make sure that the roots are healthy enough and do not have pronounced defects.

Also, the bottom of the pit should be laid out with a drainage layer, which consists of rubble or broken bricks.

Proper plant care

Care for a newly planted seedling should be as careful as possible until the trunk is fully formed and the plant ripens. Particular attention should be paid to watering - it should be done frequently but in moderation. Otherwise root system may start to rot.

Such recommendations are especially relevant for the first two years of life of a young tulip tree. It is better to heat the liquid used for irrigation in a barrel to a temperature environment... An important feature proper care is to carry out complex fertilizing and preparation for winter.

At a young age, the tree easily tolerates pruning measures, which play an important role in crown formation.

If the cultivation takes place in a hot, arid climate, then the productivity of growth will be significantly reduced. Daily irrigation of the crown with a special hose nozzle helps to solve the problem. The action should be performed after 17 hours, since at this time the activity of the sun is no longer as aggressive as at lunchtime. Low rainfall and hot summer weather are a significant reason for frequent watering, as well as protecting crops from wind. Seasonal soil mulching may become a necessary requirement.

After successful planting, it is necessary to apply complex fertilizers to the soil. Feeding activities begin from the second year of life, while at an early age, mineral compositions with a rich nitrogen content will be effective. The second top dressing is performed with potassium-phosphorus dressings.

Preparation for winter is performed from autumn, before the first frost begins. Following the recommendations increases the chances of successful growth and tree formation in a wide variety of conditions.

When planning to grow a tulip tree in your garden, you need to determine the right time to plant. Majority experienced florists perform the action in the spring when the soil warms up enough. If the purchased seedling has an open rhizome, then planting should be started as soon as possible.

First you need to dip the roots in liquid with water and keep them there for 3-3.5 hours. Seedlings placed in a shipping container are stored for much longer. The main thing is to avoid stagnant moisture and an excess of calcareous soil. Also, you can not plant a tree in the soil with high acidity and high salt content.

It will be useful for a novice florist to pay attention to a number of recommendations:

1. It is not advisable to grow a crop with frequent travel, business trips and prolonged absence from home.
2. As soon as symptoms of a dangerous disease or pests appear on the tree, it is necessary to carry out a complex treatment with a special composition.
3. It is important to regularly monitor the state of the culture, effectively addressing problems and changing conditions of detention.
4. It is recommended to keep pets away from the liriodendron, as they can chew on the leaves and lead to its death.

The appearance of a tulip tree in the garden can emphasize the unique style of the owners of the site. and their love for exotic plants. Culture gives a territory a special appeal and, moreover, emits a pleasant aroma that will not go unnoticed.

The first settlers who reached the shores of North America could not help but notice the tall trees with unusual leaves and flowers, shaped like spring tulips. Unsurprisingly, the plant was named the tulip tree or Liriodendron tulipifera.

Today liriodendrons are known not only in their homeland. Tall trees with a lush crown can also be found in South American countries, on the shores of Australia, in southern Africa and in Europe. Europeans managed to domesticate a thermophilic culture and grow tulip trees even in Norway.

In our country, comfortable conditions for liridendrons have developed in the Black Sea subtropics, where trees adorn the streets and parks of Sochi and nearby resort towns.

Interest in the plant is increasing due to the appearance of varieties with variegated and golden foliage.

Description of the tulip tree liriodendron

Liriodendron is a large deciduous tree, capable of growing up to 35-50 meters in favorable conditions. The plant has a straight, powerful trunk, covered with light gray-green bark. As they mature, the bark of trees turns from smooth into relief, covered with cracks, dividing the surface into diamond-shaped areas. The brown bark on the branches has a noticeable waxy bloom. The wood of the tulip tree shown in the photo has a slight sweetish aroma.

One of the adornments of the liriodendron is wide lyre-shaped leaves on long petioles. The length of the leaf plate can be up to 15–20 cm. Moreover, not only the shape, but also the color of the leaves is quite remarkable. From spring to the onset of autumn, they are painted in light green tones, and then first yellow, and later brown shades appear in the colors.

Flowers with a diameter of 6 to 10 cm resemble a tulip, during dissolution, a fresh cucumber aroma is poured around the powerful crown and surprise with an original combination of greenish, yellowish, white and orange colors on the corolla.

At the time of mass flowering, the tulip tree liriodendron, like other plants related to magnolias, attracts many insects that willingly collect the nectar of the plant and pollinate its flowers.

In nature, liriodendron grows in areas with a rich humus, aerated soil, from which the powerful roots of the tree easily receive moisture and nutrition. The abundance of organic matter, regular and loose soil - important conditions for active growth and flowering of culture. Although the seedlings take root on sandstones and clay, one cannot expect success without additional care, loosening and the introduction of organic matter. During dry months, especially young specimens of tulip trees are in dire need of watering.

Growing a tulip tree

Of course, growing a tulip tree at home is impossible. However, strong seedlings from seeds can only be obtained by the seedling method.

After pollination, loose cones form in place of flowers, which open in late autumn, scattering large seeds. In nature, they, falling to the ground, undergo natural stratification, and the germination process begins only after a year. Similar conditions are created for tulip tree seeds at home.

Since the seeds of liriodendron outside the soil quickly lose their germination, you need to acquire the freshest material for sowing.

Sowing is carried out before winter to a depth of one and a half centimeters. At first, a universal soil mixture based on equal parts is suitable for growing a tulip tree:

• lowland;
• coarse sand;
• garden land.

When the soil is leveled and slightly compacted, the crops are watered and mulched. In this form, the container is exposed to the cold or placed in the refrigerator. In winter, the container with seeds must be covered with snow; during thaws and in summer, the soil must be watered so that the earth does not turn out to be completely dry.

Those wishing to grow a tulip tree will have to be patient. Seedlings appear only one and a half years after incorporation into the ground. But young sprouts don't disappoint. They are rapidly gaining strength, becoming stronger and stronger.

If purchased seeds were used for sowing, it is better to harden the seedlings before being taken out into the open ground. A month before transplanting, the plants gradually begin to accustom them to the outdoors, increasing the "walk" time every day.

The hardened plants are transferred to open ground, where the seedlings need simple but regular maintenance, including:

• moderate but frequent watering;
• weeding the trunk circle;
• spring and summer feeding of a young seedling;
• to keep the moisture vital to the tree.

The liriodendron tulip tree blooms in May and June. For the first time, the plant forms flower buds at the age of 7-10 years, and then blooms regularly.

The decorativeness of the tree was appreciated not only by gardeners, but also by bonsai lovers. Miniature compositions based on this type are interesting at any time of the year and, due to the low growth rate, already in a few years after the start of formation, they can demonstrate the quality of the master's work.

Liriodendron is a fairly tall tree common in North America.

This plant belongs to the magnolia family.

In Russia, the tulip tree grows on the Black Sea coast, where the plant has fully acclimatized and acts as an element of landscape design.

It got its name for the similarity of flowers to the well-known and popular tulips in our latitudes.

This tree is considered one of the largest flowering trees: in some cases it reaches a height of 30 meters.

In North America (in the eastern part) there are specimens whose height exceeds 60 meters. This height is due to the usual growing area and typical climatic environment.

If you are interested in this plant of the magnolia family, then you can study the photo on the network. The tree is actually blooming in an unusual way, attracting the attention of all passers-by.

This tree is classified as tall, since its average height is about 30 meters. In woodlands, the height can reach 50 meters.

As for the crown, it has a pyramidal shape and often becomes oval over time.

A straight and massive trunk with a diameter of about 100 centimeters.

Young trees, as the photos usually show, have smooth crowns of light grayish-green color.

Mature plants are characterized by an uneven crown with white grooves. On sufficiently mature trees, there are often holes punched by a woodpecker.

If you describe the branches, they seem shiny, and when broken, they are characterized by a sweet spicy smell. Broad leaves are most often green or light green.

In autumn, the foliage becomes yellowish. The shape of the leaves is non-standard, it resembles a tulip flower, for which the plant got its name.

The flowers of the plant resemble a tulip bud (again, remember the name) and are characterized by a fresh cucumber aroma.

The tulip tree of the magnolia family is widespread in many countries with a temperate climate. It is grown in Europe (its northern part), as well as in southern countries (Argentina, South Africa, Peru).

At home (North America), it is considered one of the most melliferous. In our latitudes, it is grown in Sochi.

As for flowering, it occurs in the summer. The tulip tree blooms in June.

The plant begins to delight with flowers at 22-27 years of age. In very rare cases, flowering occurs as early as 6-8 years after planting a tree.

This plant is very beautiful and unusual, which is confirmed by the photo of the tree during the flowering period.

Growing

This tree is rarely grown at home. This is due to its size, since not at every dacha or personal plot there will be enough space for it. If you can afford such a tree, then the information below is for you.

The tree is quite resistant to pests and diseases. It is also practically impervious to soot and smoke.

In the process of transplanting, special attention should be paid to the root system and not to damage it, since the plant has rather fragile roots.

It can be transplanted during the entire warm period.

The tree has a lifespan of about 500 years. It can withstand frosts down to -25 degrees, but when the temperature drops to -30, branches may freeze, like other members of the magnolia family.

The tree propagates by seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting. If reproduction is carried out by seeds, then the plant blooms after many years.

At home, the tree takes root well and does not require serious care. It gets along well with other plants.

To decide whether to start a tulip tree or not, look at the photo of the plant. Photos will help you make a choice. Also, consider if you have enough space to grow it.

If you like the photos of the plant, but you have no place, then you can give preference to another plant - spatodea. This flower is also popularly called the tulip tree.

Spatodea

Spatodea is an exotic plant native to Africa. Belongs to the begonia family.

In its usual habitat, it reaches a height of 22-26 meters, and does not grow above two meters at home.

The tree got its name from its bright and beautiful flowers that resemble tulips.

Photos on the web will help to recreate a picture of what a tree looks like.

This plant grows fast enough and is considered evergreen. In natural conditions, it blooms practically all year round.

However, at home, this is not always possible. But even without flowers, the plant is very beautiful, which is confirmed by the photo.

The leaves are bright and are arranged in pairs, having a rough surface. The trunk is grayish brown.

The bright red flowers, similar to tulip buds, gave the tree its name. The depth of the flower cups is about 12 centimeters.

The flowers are always directed upward, and after the rain they fill with water, which attracts birds.

After flowering, pods about 12 centimeters long are formed, inside which are seeds.

One of the most beautifully flowering plants in the world in the world is considered the African tulip tree or Spathodea campanulata (Spathodea campanulata). Collected in lush inflorescences, the flowers of this tree are orange-red in color and resemble tulip flowers in shape.

Spatodea is popularly called the "Fire Tree", as it blooms all year round, and its buds look very expressive on the forest of dark green foliage.

In nature, the tulip tree grows to a height of 7 to 25 meters and is native to the dry tropical forests of Africa. The open, bowl-shaped flowers trap moisture from rain dew, which attracts many bird species, and nectar is popular with hummingbirds. The wood of Spatodea is soft and is used by birds to build their nests.

During the period when the tree is not blooming, it does not lose its attractiveness due to large rough leaves growing 13-15 pieces on one branch. Long-lasting - lives up to 500 years. The tulip tree propagates by seeds, layering, cuttings, grafting. At the moment of spring flowering, the original in their form the flowers of the tree, resembling tulips in appearance, endow everyone around with fragrant delicate aromas, signaling that summer is already in a hurry to us.

Spatodea grows in any soil, even the poorest, and does not require special care. Does not like bright lighting, so it grows well in partial shade. Watering requires regular, but without overflow and overdrying of the planting soil.

Spadotea belongs to the begonia family. She comes from tropical Africa, Uganda.

it exotic tree perfect for decorating gardens, parks, streets, because it grows very quickly, reaching 10-15 meters in height, and even blooms almost all year round, pleasing the eye with its splendor. But even without flowers, spadotea looks spectacular, thanks to a lush bright crown, with large (up to 50 cm) rough leaves, 13-15 pieces sitting in pairs on one long petiole. Various birds are very fond of the "fire tree", and often twine in its branches.

Such a miracle can be grown at home. Of course, it will not reach 15 meters, but it will definitely grow up to 2 meters! It grows rather quickly from seeds, which should be planted in the spring. Spadotea is unpretentious, does not require special care, grows on any soil. But she does not tolerate direct sunlight, preferring partial shade, and she needs regular watering. You should also know that tulip tree fragile wood, so tall specimens need support. Remember that the tree will not bloom right away, but only having reached a significant size, it will delight you with fiery flowers.

From the petals of spadotea, an essence is made, which is actively used in cosmetology, because it has healing properties for the skin.

Oh, this is a mythical tulip tree from seeds ...

To begin with, almost no one believes in the ability to grow a tulip tree from seed. Most of all, as a rule, those who sowed it and did not wait for the shoots do not believe in it.
However, it's real! And now I will tell you how to sow a tulip tree correctly, why "it does not rise" and what to do to make it rise.

The tulip tree or tulip liriodendron is a very ancient tree from the magnolia family. Very unusual, very beautiful, very large and many other "very" - it's all about him. It is beautiful from spring to the beginning of frost, one of the most powerful melliferous plants, valuable wood "white tree" and so on.

Beautiful, isn't it?

A person who at least once saw this tree in the summer, during flowering, or will never forget it and will want to plant it for himself.
How can this be done?

Item 1 (mandatory): we take seeds. The seeds of a tulip tree ripen in a kind of cones and crumble with the onset of frost

Item 2: stratification. The seeds of a tulip tree take a very long time to germinate. It makes no sense to wait for them by the first spring, they will sprout one and a half years after sowing before winter or two-stage stratification (cold and warm), which imitates the change of seasons winter-summer-winter-summer.
Sowing before winter is easier, because in a year and a half anyone will have enough sclerosis to check the seeds regularly every 2-3 weeks, rinse them, look for mold, etc. They are easier to store in the ground.
For sowing before winter, you will need a box with universal soil and seeds, which were previously soaked for two days (water changes 1-2 times a day). You don't have to soak - this is optional. If there are few seeds, the lionfish can be cut off; if there is a lot or no desire to bother, let them remain as they are.
The depth of planting is about 1.5 cm. Sowed, watered, put a thick layer of leaves on top (to remove for the summer) and in a cold place for the winter. We have this ordinary polyethylene greenhouse without heating.

Important! The seed boxes should be watered regularly! Even if nothing visually grows there and winter is outside. Severe frost - put snow on top of the leaves. There is no frost - we try the ground for moisture and water it when upper layer begins to dry out. It is not worth planting a swamp, but it is also impossible to dry out the land.
And so all year round: we check the land, water it and that's it.
Why it is not worth sowing in open ground: in a year and a half, someone is guaranteed to eat them there.

Next, we need to be patient and wait. Such "slow" seeds as tulip tree, lily of the valley, tree peony, yew and others - teach patience, which is sorely lacking for novice growers of trees from seeds. They need to get seedlings of all sown species at once! Many sow different seeds, in the spring they wait for shoots, what has sprung up is planted by autumn, and the rest of the land is thrown away. If nothing has sprouted in the box by the middle of summer, they stop watering it and throw it away again. As I can imagine how many seedlings died from such haste and impatience - horror takes! If you want to sow and get rare species from seeds, learn patience. Life goes on one way or another, you will still live this year, two, three or more. There is no need to coward over all the seeds, saw them, soak them in acid and suffer other perversions - calm down and leave it to nature, she will do everything right. In the meantime, sow spruces, pines, magnolias - they will rise much faster and completely occupy your attention. By the way, even in boxes with seeds of a tulip tree, you can sow something annual with a not very powerful root system, like dill - it will be more and more fun and you will not forget to water.

In the end, time will pass and in a year and a half, somewhere in June, you will see it

Even if those who did not wait may not believe in this, the seeds of the tulip tree just have excellent germination!
Seedlings sprout together and there are a lot of them (sowing - December 2012)

Indeed, a lot

So many!

And it would seem, where does this come from from absolutely dry seeds, in which you cannot even find an embryo if you pick it open?

So funny

The first two true leaves - their typical shape is already visible

Such a small, but already a real tulip tree!

A month later, the corner of the same box

Healthy green seedlings are actively growing

The leaf shape becomes even more pronounced lyre-shaped, four-lobed - you cannot confuse it with any other tree

By the end of summer, seedlings can be up to half a meter tall. Not all are the same size - the density of crops in our case does not allow all seedlings to develop equally, but after the spring transplant, the smaller ones will quickly catch up with those that are higher

If looking at the first photos, not everyone believed that it was tulip trees that had sprung up, now the shape of the leaf looks quite convincing

In our greenhouse, internal work is still underway, so the leaves are slightly crushed with plaster.

All our tulip tree seedlings 2014

I also often sprinkle the seeds of the tulip tree when preparing the soil for sowing other trees with the expectation that they will rise and be planted, but the seeds of the tulip tree will remain. Therefore, in my boxes with seedlings of various other trees, you can often find random owners of four-lobed leaves =)
It is also worth mentioning that a very small percentage of seeds can sprout in 6-7 months, and not in a year and a half, but the rest will still have to wait for the prescribed period.
So, if you are very lucky, you can get such a premature seedling, like I have in

This is how the seedlings look at the beginning of their second summer.

And so, in the fall after the third - almost one and a half meters in height

The tulip tree has a very beautiful golden leaf color in autumn.

In subsequent years, the growth rate of the tulip tree more than compensates for the extra year of waiting for shoots. The tulip tree grows very quickly and before its first flowering, which will have to wait longer than seedlings, it always pleases with beautiful foliage.
upd: one more point about the waiting time for germination: American seeds of the tulip tree and from all sorts of south, germinate quite well in the first year, immediately after wintering. Only seedlings from these seeds are slightly less resistant to frost.

I really hope that this information will help someone to grow a tulip tree for their garden, and someone will make them think, if they want to throw out a box of earth in which there is "nothing". Trees are not parsley, they don't have to sprout all at once. Each has its own term and even its own germination pattern: legumes can emerge in small batches for several years after the year when the first shoots appeared. The tree peony also sprouts almost 100%, but in almost equal batches for three years in a row. The lily of the valley tree begins to sprout at 2, 3, 4 years. Cedar and some other pines can emerge for two years in a row. For many trees, the period of stratification on which they were kept may not be enough and they will not rise in the first spring, but will wait until the next. Patience and calmness! Trees do not like haste - they have eternity ahead of them.

In the LeoLes store you can buy tulip tree seeds right now and seedlings from spring.