The tulip tree is knows as liriodendron tulipiferum. The word liriodendron is formed from the Greek words leirion, which means lily, and dendron, which means a tree. The word tulipiferum is Latin and means tulip-making. So, both the generic name and the species name refer to the very distinctive, tulip-shaped flowers that it bears in early summer.

The flowers are indeed tulip-like with a ring of broad, pale yellow petals. These are also marked with a blotch of bright orange. Inside the flower, there is a 20-strong group of rich yellow stamens and a central, green pistil.

Family

The tulip tree is part of the magnolia family, the magnoliaceae, the flowers being much more like those of magnolia than the tulip-shaped ones of its common name.

The magnolia family is considered to be one of the earliest flowering plants and the tulip tree has come through much the same evolutionary path as the magnolia. The cone-like fruiting body produces papery seeds like those of pine. It was imported to Europe in the 17th century.

Garden value

The tulip tree has very considerable garden value but it needs a large area with plenty of space for it to grow to its eventual size. It is native to the eastern US and probably up into Canada also.

In its native territory, it can reach a height of more than 60 metres, which is not matched by even half that height here. The maritime cool summer climate of Ireland is not as favourable as the hot summer continental climate of its native range. Yet, it still can make an impressive tree.

In its native country, the tulip tree is one of the most important forestry tree species. It yields a light, soft, yellow timber, which is suitable for a wide range of uses. When planted close together, the trees grow rapidly and compete with each other for space. This results in the formation of a large single trunk. If it is planted without competition on its own, it typically makes a much-branched, large, broadly conical tree with branching from as low as one metre. For this reason, the tulip tree should be pruned to form a tree with a single strong lead shoot.

However, this pruning is rarely carried out and, as a result, the tulip tree is usually seen as a large, branched, conical tree. Apart from the flowers as already described, the foliage of the tulip tree is very distinctive and very decorative.

The individual leaves are saddle-shaped, a shape that only tulip trees generate. The foliage is pretty in springtime and well into the summer and colours to a bright yellow shade. The leaves begin to fall in autumn.

If a specimen of the tulip tree is located close to a streetlight, a large patch of the foliage hangs on longer by about two weeks.

Growing a tulip tree

Although it has many interesting aspects, this is not a finicky, hard-to-grow tree. It can grow well in a range of soil types, some of which can be heavy and damp, others on the light side and exposed to summer drought. It can cope quite well with soil of low fertility, even though this can cause the tree to be smaller than it might otherwise be.

So, choose a spot where the tree has plenty of room. At least, it should have a 15-metre diameter spread. If you want to raise a tree, ideally with a trunk, it will be necessary to plant a copse of tulip trees spaced about five metres apart, randomised, and this would be a very rare treatment. If possible, choose an area that is well drained but not dry in summer, or very wet in wintertime.

The soil can be fertile, but not overly rich in nutrients, as this can make the tree prone to soft growth that leaves it vulnerable to wind damage. Having planted the tree, or even more than one, be sure to control weeds and grass in the early years. Prune the young tree to form a single central trunk.

Kitchen garden

Spinach is not a traditional crop but as tastes in food widen, more people are eating it. It is a very big part of Italian cuisine, for instance. While leaf beet is often eaten as a spinach substitute, the true spinach has much better flavour, though it is not as easy to grow.

Spinach leaves are great in salads.

Spinach has a tendency to bolt if conditions vary. It can be sown from spring to autumn, the late sowing to overwinter.

Early and late sowings are most prone to bolting and a sowing in early to mid-summer is usually most successful. The best way to succeed is to sow a few seeds every three weeks or so. Some will fail but other sowings will work. Sow in a warm, sunny spot with good rich, moisture-retentive soil. Part-day shade can help on soils that get too hot or dry in summer and watering is more or less essential.

This week’s reminders

Trees, shrubs and roses

Spring and early shrubs, such as weigela and viburnum, should be finished if they are spreading too much. Cold northerly winds put a lot of young shrubs and trees under serious pressure. Rainfall may

not be enough to reach the roots and they should be checked for water needs.

Lawns

Grass growth was very strong due to almost continuous rainfall practically every day in spring. It was difficult to get grass dry enough to mow without making a mess. Soil was at full capacity and wet when some dry weather did arrive. There is no need for feeding, but trim the lawn edges.

Flowers

Seeds of perennial flowers such as lupins, mallows and foxgloves could be sown now for flowering next year. Bedding plants in pots and baskets need regular watering and feeding. Because the roots have now filled the pots, watering has become more critical. Feed every two weeks or so.

Greenhouse and house plants

Continue watering and feeding all greenhouse plants and house plants. Water plants in pots or grow-bags regularly as these can easily dry out and cause blossom-end rot on tomatoes and peppers. Train tomatoes and cucumbers with up strings or canes and remove side-growths. Take summer cuttings.

Fruit, vegetables and herbs

Sow the salad vegetables that mature quickly. Peas could still be sown but are unlikely to give much unless weather conditions suit them. Plant out winter cabbage, winter cauliflower, and

Brussels sprouts varieties, if not already done. Listen to potato blight warnings because planting was late. Keep soil well-watered.