Liriodendron tulipifera 'FASTIGIATUM'

Fastigiatum is a columnar variety of yellow poplar tree / tulip tree which has two advantages as opposed to the species. First - it is narrower and will fit into a mid-sized garden. And secondly, and for most of us perhaps more importantly, it flowers from very young age. As opposed to encyclopedias that give a guaranteed age for blooming as 10-15 years, we saw plants making its first flower when only 4 years old. Plants older than 7 years flower reliably.

It exotic looking leaves are quite unique – they are saddle-shaped, mid green, deciduous. They turn buttery-yellow in autumn. The flowers appear in early summer at the tips of branches. They are tulip-shaped, greeny-yellow with a broad orange band. They may be inconspicuous from a distance but are definitely very attractive up close.

Pruning is not needed. If you need to shape the plant do so in late winter. Such cut may reduce number of flowers in the current season so to avoid this you may prune it right after flowering – in mid summer.

This tree likes full sun or partial shade with some direct sun during the day. It needs fertile, preferably acidic, moist but well-drained soil. It is usually pest and disease free. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 07-12-2008