Liriodendron chinense Chinese tulip tree

Magnoliaceae

Liriodendron chinense Chinese tulip tree

A medium-sized tree from Central China Seldom grows taller than 10 m when cultivated. Young twigs are a purplish colour. Old twigs pass through brown to grey. The trunk is also grey and develops shallow grooves with increasing age. The leaves are larger than those of L. tulipifera. They are 4-lobed and the lobes are rounded. The top is straight or incised with a V. The leaves are approx. 10 - 20 cm long and wide and have a blue-green underside. The flowers are narrower and smaller (approx. 3 - 4 cm) than those of L. tulipifera. They have a green exterior and a yellow interior. The conical fruit consists of many winged nutlets pressed together in a spiral. The tree favours deep loose soil. The branches of L. chinense freeze in severe winters.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
7 - 10 (15) m
Width
6-8m
Crown
round, open, half-open crown
Bark and branches
grey bark, shallow grooves, twigs purplish-brown
Leaf
4-lobed, green, 10 - 20 cm
Flowers
tulip-shaped, green with yellow, Ø approx. 4 cm, May/June
Fruits
conical fruits up to 10 cm long
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
humid and rich
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
8 (-12,2 to -6,7 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies
Shape
clearstem tree
Origin
Central China
Clear stem tree clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving can withstand wind 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres half-open crown green yellow May average growing Conspicuous bloom valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Ornamental fruit
Frequently asked questions
Liriodendron chinense

Liriodendron chinense can eventually reach a height of 7 - 10 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Liriodendron chinense is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 7 - 10 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Liriodendron chinense is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Liriodendron chinense with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Liriodendron chinense blooms in may.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.