Tulip tree - photo, home care, growing from seeds. Spathodea: African tulip tree Spathodea at home reviews

Owners of small country houses and gardens are often interested in growing ornamental plants. And planting a tulip tree is a great way to make your garden more attractive, unique and creative. But growing such green space in insufficiently favorable conditions is not at all easy. You will have to be patient and put in a lot of effort.

general information

Liriodendron, or tulip tree, is a member of an oligotypic genus of flowering plants in the Magnoliaceae family. It is often called yellow poplar, although this is not entirely correct, because the species are very different from each other and have no related similarities. At the flowering stage, the tree is covered with fantastically beautiful flowers, which become a bright decoration of the area. The flowers are quite large in size, and they are somewhat similar to a bud. The flowering of the tulip tree is accompanied by a special spicy aroma that cannot be confused with others.

Growing tulip lyriodendron in the Moscow region is of interest to many residents of this region, which is not surprising.

An invaluable advantage of the plant is the light weight of the wood, which is why it is often used as the basis for luxury plywood and musical instruments. As the tree grows, the trunk becomes straight and massive; The rhizome has a taproot appearance. In autumn, the color begins to change, and the ripening fruit takes on a cone-like oblong shape. Its length reaches 5 centimeters. Scientists distinguish three varieties of the plant:

1. North American lyriodendron.
2. Chinese.
3. Campanulate spathodea.

Characteristics of existing species

If we talk about the American variety, it is famous for its excellent decorative properties, growing to impressive sizes and having a columnar, slender trunk. The crown height can reach 50 meters if the maintenance conditions meet the required ones. The shape of the flowers is similar to that of a tulip, and the leaves resemble the musical instrument lyre.

The color of the inflorescences is represented by bluish, green and light shades. Their length is about 15 centimeters. In autumn, the leaves turn golden. By the way, the plant is considered the national symbol of individual states.

As for the Chinese lyriodendron, it is in particular demand among fans of exotic vegetation with an unpretentious character and unique appearance. As the plant grows, it turns into a powerful tree up to 15 meters high. Sometimes it takes the form of a bush, growing in width.

Considering the climatic conditions in which the Chinese species grows, when kept at home it is necessary to provide it with high humidity. For propagation, the seed method is used, and the maximum percentage of germination is observed on moist soil. The maximum growth rate is observed in hybrid varieties.

Botanical description

The tulip tree is a large deciduous plant with thick bark that has deep grooves (young shoots have smooth bark). Under natural conditions, the tulip tree grows up to 30 meters, but there are also 50-meter specimens. Among the key advantages of the species is rapid growth. It is known that in a year of life, lyriodendron grows 1 meter in height and 20 centimeters in width. It is classified as a long-livers, capable of functioning normally for 5 centuries. As it develops, the diameter of the trunk reaches two meters.

The high decorativeness of the plant is emphasized by a huge columnar-shaped trunk, along which light gray bark is scattered. As it grows, it cracks and emits a pleasant aroma. Its surface is completely smooth at first, but after some time diamond-shaped cracks appear on it.

The tree is also famous for its lush crown with beautiful foliage. In young representatives of the species it is pyramidal, but over time it turns into round. The branches are colored brown or dark brown and have a characteristic shine. A mature tree can provide a good source of natural shade.

Before purchasing exotic seedlings and starting home cultivation, it is necessary to clarify the natural growing environment. According to official data, the plant was brought to the European continent from eastern North America, although another common species is widespread in the Far East.

Currently, a large representative of exotic flora is in special demand on different continents and in different countries, from the north of Norway to southern countries such as Peru, Chile, South Africa, etc.

When bred at home, the species does not show an aggressive attitude towards other growing plants. Growing a tulip tree in the Moscow region is not difficult, but before that you need to carefully study some of the subtleties of care. Due to its excellent resistance to extremely low temperatures, the crop tolerates the Moscow cold well.

Subtleties of home growing

If someone decides to grow a tulip tree at home, it is necessary to pay special attention to choosing a promising place for planting. Regardless of the general geographical features, whether it is the Sochi subtropics or the cool Moscow region, the conditions of detention must be appropriate. Particular growth productivity is observed on a sandy loam substrate or in chernozem.

As for reproduction methods, these include:

At the initial stage of maintenance, it is necessary to protect the crop from exposure to drafts, so placing a pot with a seedling on the windowsill, at the entrance to the room or near the air conditioner is unwise. The optimal temperature regime for the summer period should be +20...+26 degrees Celsius, and for winter - no less than +10...+12 degrees.

When growing in urban areas, it is necessary to maintain the correct level of humidity. The optimal rate is about 65 percent. If there is not enough moisture, instead of beautiful flowering and the formation of a lush crown, you can get drying leaves and fading inflorescences. To solve the problem, place a container of water near the pot.

It is also necessary to regularly spray the leaves and feed the soil with various fertilizers, including complex compounds. Transfer arrangements are possible at any time except winter.

This unpretentious exotic species freely takes root in the central black earth regions, and the methods of reproduction used can be very different. The flowering period falls in May - mid-June, depending on the current air temperature and weather conditions.

The tree grows well in sandy, clay and moist soil. The main thing is that it has an optimal drainage layer.

The presence of stagnation in the substrate causes rotting of the root system and the appearance of numerous diseases. The chosen landing site should be well lit by the sun, otherwise the flowering will not be good enough.

Seed propagation

Most summer residents practice the seed method of propagating the tulip magnolia tree. Planting from seeds is considered the simplest and most productive, but to avoid problems, you need to listen to the advice of experienced colleagues. It is customary to carry out the procedure in the fall, before winter. In this case, a box with a soil substrate is first prepared and the seeds are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate or ordinary water. It is important to change the liquid in the container twice daily.

The planting material needs to be deepened by 1.5 centimeters, and then filled with soil and lined with a thick layer of leaves. Ultimately, all that remains is to send the box for winter storage to a cool place, such as an ordinary polyethylene greenhouse. As the weather warms, you should remove leaves from the container.

It is better to place the grown seedling in a sunny or slightly shaded place, and the preparation of the planting hole should be done 5-7 days before planting. The dimensions of such a hole are determined by the size of the root system.

Before planting the seedling, you need to make sure that the roots are healthy enough and have no obvious defects.

Also, the bottom of the pit should be lined with a drainage layer, which consists of crushed stone or broken bricks.

Proper plant care

Caring for a newly planted seedling should be as thorough as possible until the trunk is fully formed and the plant matures. Particular attention should be paid to watering - it should be done frequently, but moderately. Otherwise, the root system may begin to rot.

Such recommendations are especially relevant for the first two years of the life of a young tulip tree. It is better to heat the liquid used for irrigation in a barrel to ambient temperature. An important feature of proper care is comprehensive feeding and preparation for winter.

At a young age, the tree easily tolerates pruning, which plays an important role in the formation of the crown.

If cultivation occurs in a hot, dry climate, growth productivity will be significantly reduced. Daily irrigation of the crown using a special hose nozzle helps solve the problem. The action should be performed after 17:00, because at this time the sun's activity is no longer as aggressive as at lunchtime. Low precipitation and hot summer weather are a significant reason for frequent watering, as well as protecting the crop from the effects of wind. Seasonal mulching of the soil may be a necessary requirement.

After successful planting, it is necessary to apply complex fertilizers to the soil. Feeding measures begin from the second year of life, while at an early age mineral compositions with a rich nitrogen content will be effective. The second fertilizing is carried out with potassium-phosphorus fertilizing.

Preparations for winter are carried out in the fall, before the first frost. Following the recommendations increases the chances of successful tree growth and formation in a wide variety of conditions.

When planning to grow a tulip tree in your garden, you need to determine the right time for planting. Most experienced gardeners perform the action in the spring, when the soil warms up sufficiently. If the purchased seedling has an open rhizome, then planting activities should be started as quickly as possible.

First you need to dip the roots in liquid with water and keep them there for 3-3.5 hours. Seedlings placed in a shipping container are stored much longer. The main thing is to avoid stagnation of moisture and excess calcareous soil. Also, you should not plant a tree in soil with high acidity and high salt content.

It will be useful for a novice gardener to pay attention to a number of recommendations:

1. It is not advisable to grow the crop during frequent trips, business trips and prolonged absence from home.
2. As soon as symptoms of a dangerous disease or pest appear on the tree, it is necessary to carry out complex treatment with a special composition.
3. It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the culture, effectively eliminating problems and changing conditions.
4. It is recommended to keep lyriodendron away from pets, as they can chew the leaves and lead to its death.

The appearance of a tulip tree in the garden will highlight the unique style of the site owners and their love for exotic plants. The culture gives the territory a special attractiveness and also emits a pleasant aroma that will not go unnoticed.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Have you decided to start growing ornamental plants? Then pay attention to the tulip tree, planting and growing it in the Moscow region or another region of the country requires a competent and serious approach. The plant itself is unique in its kind. They can effectively decorate any garden or area. The peculiarity is that this plant is able to grow under almost any conditions, and such a tree is resistant to frost down to -30 degrees. Highlanders consider lyriodendron sacred.

What is a tulip tree

Liriodendron or tulip tree (lat. Liriodendron) belongs to the oligotypic genus of flowering species of the Magnoliaceae family. Sometimes it is even called yellow poplar, but this name is not entirely correct, because There is no close relationship between these two plants. During flowering, flowers of fantastic beauty begin to appear on the tree, which can become an enviable decoration of any local area. The flowers are large and resemble a bud. Blooming lyriodendron is capable of exuding a spicy aroma.

The wood of this bright plant is light and can be easily processed with further polishing. It is often used for the manufacture of high-quality plywood and musical instruments. The trunk is straight and massive. The root system has a rod-like appearance. In autumn, the color of the leaves changes. The fruit is cone-shaped, oblong, up to 5 cm long. There are three types:

• lyriodendron from North America;
• Liriodendron from China.
• Spathodea campanulate;

American look

The magnolia tulip tree of the American variety (Liriodendron tulipifera) is distinguished by its high decorative qualities, large size, columnar and slender trunk. The crown is high - its height reaches up to 50 m. The shape of the flowers of the American species is tulip-shaped. The lyre-shaped, highly ornamental and bluish-green leaves are up to 15 cm long - in autumn they acquire spectacular golden tones. It is considered the national symbol of some American states.

Liriodendron chinensis

If you decide to grow lyriodendron to create an original landscape design, pay attention to the Chinese variety. It grows in the form of a tree, the height of which reaches only 15 m, or a shrub. The climate in the areas where it grows is mild or cool, but always humid. The diameter of the flowers is up to 6 cm, greenish on the outside and yellow on the inside. They do not have orange spots at the base of the inner side of the petals. The Chinese variety of the tree can grow in all types of fertile soils, but is less common than the American variety.

There is also the African tulip tree, or Spathodea campanulata, growing in West Africa, which is sometimes called “ball lightning.” Today, due to its climatic resistance, it can be found over large areas, but the trees are best acclimatized in regions with a temperate climate. This plant reproduces by seeds and does well in moist soils. Growing even faster than each parent is a hybrid species known as Liriodendron tulipifera x L. Chinense.

Botanical description of the plant

Liriodendron tulipum is a tall deciduous tree with deeply grooved bark, although the bark of young shoots is smooth. The average height reaches 30 meters, although there are even 50-meter plants. A characteristic feature of the plant is its rapid increase in size. Annual nature can reach 1 m in height and up to 20 cm in width. This species is durable because The age of a tulip tree can reach 500 years or more. The diameter of the trunk with age acquires a size of up to 2 m.

What does it look like

The plant has a massive, columnar trunk, which is covered with light gray bark and beautiful foliage. With age, the bark begins to crack, emitting a quite pleasant aroma. Trees of this type have a beautifully shaped crown. Young representatives have a pyramidal crown, which over time turns into a rounded one. Young plants have smooth bark, but with age they acquire a coating with diamond-shaped cracks. As for the branches, they have a brown and dark brown color with a shine. The crown provides spreading and large shade.

Tulip tree – photo

Where does it grow?

If you decide to purchase seedlings of beautifully flowering deciduous tulip plants that thrive in moist but well-drained soils, find out where they grow. The plant itself is native to eastern North America. Another species (Liriodendron chinense) is found more naturally in Vietnam and Southern China.

This large deciduous tree with brown branches spreads widely from the coast of Norway in the north to countries in the south such as Peru, Chile, South Africa, etc. It must be emphasized that when tulip liriodendron is artificially cultivated far from its natural place of growth, it does not demonstrate aggression towards other representatives of the flora growing nearby.

Liriodendron tulip in the Moscow region

With proper care, a tulip plant can be acclimatized to humid conditions. The species is now being cultivated even in the Moscow region, because it is frost-resistant. The leaves of the exotic plant resemble a lyre, and the first flowering in most cases occurs at the age of 25, although flowers sometimes appear even at the age of 6-7 years. It is not worth using seedlings of unknown origin for sowing in the central zone and in the north-west of Russia, because... they may not be winter-hardy enough.

How to grow a tulip tree at home

Having decided to purchase several specimens in order to cultivate lyriodendron yourself, for example, somewhere in the Sochi subtropics or another region of the Caucasus, first decide on a suitable place. The ideal option would be both black soil and sandy loam soil. Plant a plant of a fast-growing variety with an excellent crown shape from seeds or cuttings. Remember, lyriodendron does not like drafts, so you should not place the pot near windows, entrances or air conditioners. The temperature in summer should be 20-26, and in winter - at least 10-12 degrees.

Growing this majestic plant in an urban environment requires maintaining an optimal humidity level, which should be around 65%. If the temperature drops slightly, dried leaves may appear, so place a container of water next to the pot. Make sure to spray the leaves regularly. The soil should be as nutritious as possible. It is recommended to feed with complex fertilizers twice a year. If you need to replant into the ground, do it at any time, excluding the winter period.

Choosing a location on the site

Today, this plant is successfully cultivated in the central black earth regions; moreover, tulip trees grow quickly and reproduce by layering, cuttings, seeds and grafting, i.e. in any available way. They bloom in late May - mid-June. As for the choice of terrain, the fertile layer should lie deep. The tree will grow well in soil that is sandy, clayey and moist but well drained. Stagnation of moisture in the root system and puddles on the surface will lead to the appearance of diseases. Choose a well-lit area.

How to plant liriodendron tulipifera

It is best to plant a plant in central Russia in the spring, when the soil is already warmed up. If you bought a seedling with an open root system, then planting must be done in the coming days. Pre-immerse the roots in a container filled with water for 3.5 hours. As for the specimen in the shipping container, it can be stored longer. Remember, the plant does not tolerate excess lime. In addition, it is not recommended to plant the tree in salty soil. Useful tips:

• It is better not to buy lyriodendron if you are not at home often.
• If there are signs of pest infestation, thoroughly treat the plant with a special solution.
• Monitor the condition of the plant in order to identify and eliminate problems in time, and change the conditions of detention.
• Keep lyriodendron away from pets, because... if there is significant damage to the leaves and roots, it may simply die.

Growing from seeds

The easiest time to plant tulip tree seeds is before winter. For this purpose, prepare a box with soil, soak the seeds for two days using a light pink solution of potassium permanganate or ordinary water, which you change 1-2 times every day. If you don’t have time, you can do without soaking. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1.5 cm, then water the soil and spread a thick layer of leaves. After this, send the box for winter storage in a place without heating, for example, an ordinary polyethylene greenhouse. As the weather warms, remove leaves from the box.

Planting a seedling

Place the future lyriodendron somewhere in the sun/partial shade. It is advisable to make the planting hole in 5-7 days - its size depends on the root system of the tree. Before planting, inspect all roots to remove rotten or dried components. A seedling with an open root system needs to be planted in the coming days. If it is in a container, then the soil needs to be moistened, and then carefully remove the lump of earth, which is not recommended to be broken when planting. Be sure to place drainage made of crushed stone/broken brick at the bottom of the hole.

Features of care and reproduction

You need to carefully care for the planted tulip tree until it is fully mature. Water frequently, but moderately, otherwise the root system may rot. These recommendations are especially relevant in the first two years of a young tree’s life. Use warm water - it is best to heat it in a barrel to ambient temperature. In addition, caring for this ornamental lyriodendron requires the application of suitable fertilizers and winterization. When young, it tolerates pruning well, which can help with proper formation.

How to water a tulip tree correctly

In regions with dry and hot summers, the tree will not grow very well. To revive the process, irrigate the crown daily using a special nozzle on the hose. Carry out the described procedure after 17:00, i.e. when the sun is no longer so active. With little precipitation and during hot summers, the plant needs not only regular watering, but also protection from the wind and mulching. Watering should be regular without drying out or overwatering.

Fertilizer application

After planting, in addition to watering, it is necessary to apply fertilizers. It is recommended to start feeding the exotic plant in the second year of life. In early spring, it is recommended to use mineral compositions with a high nitrogen content as fertilizing. For the second feeding, you should use a fertilizer with a potassium-phosphorus composition.

Spathodea(Spathodea) is an evergreen exotic tree. A plant from the Bignoniaceae family. However, Spatodeya has another name - “fountain tree” or African tulip tree. Spatodeya is not simple in maintenance, it is whimsical and difficult to grow. This unusual plant is native to tropical Africa.

Spatodeya was nicknamed the “fountain tree” for good reason, since during its flowering, the tulip tree resembles a fountain, which consists of countless tulips. The flowers of this tree indeed have a shape very similar to a tulip.

The flowering period of the Spatodea or African tulip tree is an amazing and very beautiful phenomenon. This tree can reach 15 meters in height. If Spatodea grows in nature, then its annual growth is 1.5 meters. The bark of the “fountain tree” is gray-brown in color and has a straight trunk. On the bark itself there are small light gray spots. The leaves of Spatodea are quite large, rough, oval, placed on a long petiole in pairs of 13-15 pieces. They have a sharp tip, dark green color, up to 50 cm long.

The flowers of the African tulip tree are collected in lush clusters, the cups of which, directed upward, do not have any scent. Spatodea flowers fill with water after rain. There are bright red or bright yellow with a border. The calyxes of Spatodea flowers can grow up to 12 cm. The seeds of the “fountain tree” are hidden in long 10-20 centimeter brown pods. There is another name for Spatodea - “fire tree”, as in nature this plant blooms almost all year round, and its flowers look unusually bright against the background of dark green foliage.

Spatodeya – care:

Lighting:

Spatodeya prefers only light partial shade. When exposed to sunlight, the leaves of this tree begin to dry, turn yellow and crumble.

Temperature:

Spathodea requires a warm room and does not tolerate drafts and temperature changes. In the summer season, Spatodea needs a temperature of +20-26° C, in winter - at least +12° C. At a temperature of 0° C, the above-ground part of the tree dies, but the roots can withstand up to -5° C.

Watering:

Spatodeya prefers systematic and moderate watering. It is contraindicated for this tree to flood the roots and dry out the soil, otherwise it will die.

Humidity:

Spatoday is recommended to maintain 65% air humidity, since dryness is the main reason for the loss and shedding of tree leaves.

Feeding:

Spatodeya is usually fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. Feeding frequency: in spring and summer, once a month.

Transfer:

Spatodeya does not require a transplant.

Reproduction:

Spathodea is usually propagated using seeds. This is the best option for propagating this tree, such as propagation by dividing roots or cuttings, a complex and not very reliable process; often the cuttings do not take root. Spatodea seeds are sown in the soil and covered with film or glass. After approximately 2-3 weeks, the first shoots appear. In this case, it is necessary to maintain room temperature. Newly created seedlings should bloom in about 3 years.

As for the soil for Spatodea, in this matter, the tree is not whimsical. It can develop even on fresh soils, but it is advisable for Spatodea to select loose soil with good drainage and high humidity.

Some features:

Spathodea flowers are used to create an essence that is beneficial for the skin. In addition, Spatodea is recognized by flower growers as one of the most amazing pot plants.

Spatodeya – diseases and pests:

Usually Spathodea is not affected by pests.

Spathodea campanulata, or “African tulip tree”, “fountain tree”, “fire tree” - a flowering plant with numerous large inflorescences belongs to the Begoniaceae family (lat. Begoniaceae).

In nature, Spathodea campanulata reaches a height of 7 to 25 m and is native to the dry tropical forests of Africa. Often used in landscape design of gardens and parks, and is highly valued for its very showy red-orange or crimson (rarely yellow) bell-shaped flowers.

This is an evergreen, fast-growing tree; under natural conditions, annual growth can be up to 1.5 meters. The trunk is strong and erect. The bark is gray-brown, covered with small light gray rough spots. The leaves are compound dark green, up to 50 cm long, consisting of 5-19 broadly oval leaflets with a pointed apex up to 15 cm long and 7.5 cm wide.

The flowers, collected in lush clusters, are shaped like a tulip. The calyxes of the flowers are 10-12 cm high, rise above the foliage, always look upward, so after rain they fill with water. The color of the flowers is bright yellow with a golden yellow edge. The seeds are borne in brown pods 12-20 cm long, sticking up.

A flower bud is shaped like a vessel and contains water. These buds are often used by children who play with them by splashing them with a stream of water. The juice leaves yellow stains on fingers and clothes. Flower essence has a beneficial effect on the skin.

The open, cup-shaped flowers retain moisture from rain and dew, which attracts many species of birds, and the nectar is popular with hummingbirds (Anthracothorax nigricollis, Florisuga fusca, Hylocharis chrysura.

The wood of this tree is soft and is used for nesting by birds.

Growing:

Location: In summer, the plant is placed in the warmest and sunniest location, although it grows well in filtered light and partial shade.

Watering: regular, without flooding or drying out the planting mixture.

Humidity: at least 65%, in very dry air it begins to lose leaves.

Earth: can grow on any, even the poorest, soils, but on more nutritious ones - more luxuriant foliage and more abundant flowering. Reproduction: mainly by seeds, but sometimes propagated by root shoots or non-lignified cuttings. Seeds are sown in any loose, moderately moist soil, covered with film or glass, and they germinate easily within 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Seedlings bloom in the 3rd year. Fertilizer: fertilizing is carried out in spring and summer once a month, combining mineral and organic fertilizers.

Temperature: in summer 20-26°C, and in winter not lower than 12°C. When the temperature drops to 0°C, the above-ground part dies, and the roots can withstand temperatures down to -5°C. After freezing, the plant can recover from the root system.

The African tulip tree or Spathodea campanulate is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful flowering plants. Spathodea flowers are large, orange-red to dark purple, collected in lush inflorescences and shaped like tulip flowers. It is often called the “Fire Tree”, since in nature Spatodea blooms almost all year round, and its flowers look especially bright against the background of dark green foliage.

1. This is a very beautiful exotic plant from the Bignoniaceae family, native to tropical Africa.

2. It is also called the “fountain tree” because of its numerous large orange-red flowers, shaped like tulips and collected in luxurious inflorescences.

3. It is attractive and impressive even when not in bloom thanks to large, rough leaves, sitting in pairs of 13-15 pieces on a long petiole.

4. Blooms in nature almost all year round. It grows quite quickly and can reach 10-15 meters in height.

5. The leaves are compound dark green, up to 50 cm long, consisting of 5-19 broadly oval leaflets with a pointed apex, up to 15 cm long and 7.5 cm wide.

7. The calyxes of flowers, 10-12 cm high, rise above the foliage, look up, so after rain they fill with water.

8. After long flowering, brown pods 12-20 cm long are formed, which open, releasing a mass of winged seeds.

9. Flower essence made from these petals has healing properties for the skin.

10. The fountain tree grows quite quickly in its natural environment and can reach a height of about 15 meters. But it turns out that it can be grown indoors.

11. At the same time, it grows much more slowly and is much smaller in size. It does not lose its decorative properties and looks very impressive.

12. Grows in any soil and does not require special care. Does not like bright light, grows well in semi-shade and filtered light. Regular watering is required, but without overwatering or drying out the planting soil.

13. Spatodea grows quickly from seeds sown in the spring, but begins to bloom only after reaching a significant size.

14. Spathodea wood is fragile, so tall specimens without support can break in strong winds. In winter, the spathodea is kept in a well-lit room with a minimum temperature of 12 C.

15. In indoor culture, growth rates are moderate, and the height of a developed plant reaches 2 m.