How to Grow Liriodendron - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Liriodendron is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be over 100 feet tall. The leaves of the liriodendron are large and have a distinctive shape. The flowers of the liriodendron are also large and showy.

How to Grow Liriodendron - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • tulip tree
  • yellow poplar
  • canarywood
  • basswood
  • American linden

Basic info

  • Liriodendron is a genus of two flowering plant species in the family Magnoliaceae, native to eastern North America and eastern Asia.
  • The genus name Liriodendron is derived from the Greek words lirio (?????) meaning "lily", and dendron (??????) meaning "tree".
  • The better known North American species, Liriodendron tulipifera, is commonly called tulip tree or tulip poplar. It is also known as canoewood, yellow-poplar, whitewood, fiddle-tree, and tulipwood.
  • The Asian species, Liriodendron chinense, is commonly called Chinese tulip tree or Chinese poplar.
  • Liriodendron tulipifera is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
  • Liriodendron tulipifera is a large tree, growing to 20–50 m (66–164 ft) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 5 m (2 ft).
  • The tulip tree is characterized by its tulip-shaped flowers, which are large and showy, and its cone-shaped fruits, which resemble miniature pine cones.
  • The tulip tree is a popular ornamental tree, grown for its attractive flowers and foliage.
  • Liriodendron tulipifera is also a valuable timber tree, used for making furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments.
  • Liriodendron chinense is a smaller tree, growing to 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m (3 ft). It has more oval-shaped leaves and smaller, less showy flowers than L. tulipifera.

Planting Process

  1. For liriodendron, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting area by clearing all the debris and loosening the soil.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the liriodendron's root ball.
  4. Place the tree in the hole and fill it up with the loosened soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil around the tree gently.
  6. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
  7. Fertilize the tree every year in spring using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape.
  9. Protect the tree from winter damage by wrapping it with burlap or a similar material.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your liriodendron tree for many years to come!

Related plant:
Liriodendron Tulipifera

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, liriodendron prefers deep, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will wilt and the plant may go into shock. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

Light condition

Like the other flowers, liriodendron needs sunlight to grow. The amount of sunlight liriodendron requires depends on the climate. In general, liriodendron prefers full sun to partial sun. However, too much sun can damage the leaves, so it is important to find a balance. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it is best to plant liriodendron in a spot that gets some shade during the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of liriodendron is best described as warm. The tree does not tolerate cold temperatures well and should be kept above freezing. In general, liriodendron does best in climates that are warm and humid.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves may start to turn brown and crispy. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves may start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils but cannot tolerate standing water. The best time to fertilize is in early spring before new growth begins. A general-purpose fertilizer that is high in phosphorus will encourage strong root growth.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a liriodendron tree. While the tree is young, pruning will help to shape and train it. As the tree matures, pruning will help to keep it healthy and looking its best. When pruning a liriodendron, always use clean, sharp pruning tools. Make sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove any branches that are growing in towards the center of the tree or rubbing against other branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of liriodendron is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the bottom of the stem, and they should have at least 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be placed in moistened potting mix, and they should be kept at a temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on seedlings and young plants. In general, liriodendron trees grow best on deep, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. They are relatively fast-growing trees, adding 2.5 to 5 feet (0.8 to 1.5 m) of height per year for the first 10 to 20 years. Thereafter, growth rates slow considerably. At maturity, these trees may reach heights of 100 feet (30 m) or more with trunk diameters of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m).

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are aphids, scale, and stem borers. These pests can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death. To control these pests, use a pesticide that is specific for the type of pest you have.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your liriodendron regularly, as the plant does not tolerate drought conditions well.
  • Place your liriodendron in a location that receives full sun to partial shade for best growth.
  • fertilize your liriodendron each spring using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your liriodendron as needed to control its size and shape.
  • Protect your liriodendron from strong winds, as the plant's large leaves can be easily damaged by wind gusts.
  • Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and leaf spot. Treat infestations promptly to prevent serious damage to your plant.
  • Avoid planting your liriodendron too deeply, as this can cause the plant to rot.
  • When transplanting liriodendron, be sure to dig a large hole to accommodate the plant's

Similar Plants

  • Liriodendron anamensis: A genus of plant in the family magnoliaceae, liriodendron is a small genus including two of the most distinctive and commonly recognized trees in the northern hemisphere.
  • Liriodendron chinense: A plant species in the family magnoliaceae, native to china.
  • Liriodendron gmelinii: A deciduous coniferous tree species in the family pinaceae, native to europe and northern asia, where it is an important timber tree.
  • Liriodendron japonicum: A plant species in the family magnoliaceae, native to japan.
  • Liriodendron tulipifera: The tulip tree is a tall deciduous tree in the magnoliaceae family, native to eastern north america.
  • Liriodendron inermis: A plant species

Source:
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Arnold’s Fastigiate’ - Columnar tulip poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera - Species Page - NYFA: New York Flora Atlas
Species: Liriodendron tulipifera - Cornell University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category