The most important at a glance

The name of the tulip trees is the shape of their flowers. It is reminiscent of the popular spring flower. On the other hand, the colors are very different. While the tulip magnolia shows delicate pastel tones, the flowers of the African tulip tree are bright red.

The real tulip trees

The real tulip trees often only include plants of the genus of the same name, i.e. the American and Chinese tulip trees. Sometimes the African tulip tree is also referred to as real, but it belongs to the trumpet tree family not hardy and is ideal as a houseplant or for planting in the conservatory.

Both the Chinese and American tulip trees are suitable as garden plants. However, both grow very large and take up a lot of space. You prefer a sunny one Location with nutrient-rich, rather acidic soil.

The Chinese tulip tree remains at approx. 18 meters high, it is significantly smaller and blooms in May. the

Heyday of the American tulip tree extends from April to May. It can reach heights of around 30 to 40 meters. Both trees shed their leaves in autumn, but are hardy. Since they are quite sensitive root they shouldn't if possible transplanted will.

Real tulip trees:

• African tulip tree, bot. Spathodea campanulata
• American tulip tree, bot. Liriodendron tulipifera
• Chinese tulip tree, bot. Liriodendron chinense

The "fake" tulip trees

Only the tulip magnolia is actually mentioned as a “fake” tulip tree. It is very common in home gardens. There it grows more like a bush and is about five to nine meters high. In spring it shows its delicate flowers, which can be white, pink or light purple. With age, not only does the tree grow, but also its abundance of flowers.

The fake tulip tree:

• Tulip magnolia, bot. Magnolia x soulangeana