Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiatum’

Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’ is a tree for those looking for a distinctive addition to a garden with available space. This is an intriguing and unique twist on the classic tulip tree. This is a large, hardy tree with three lobed leaves that are more reminiscent of a plane tree leaf. They are a mid green turning the most beautiful rich, buttery yellow in the autumn. This fastigiate form seems to flower earlier than other species. Unsurprisingly on this amazing tree, the flowers are quite special: a greeny white upright cup developing bright orange splodges at their bases. However, these first flowers might take a considerable number of years to emerge. So you’ll need considerable patience. Fall in love with the tree’s form and shape first and all will be well and good.

The tree is tall, growing to about 20m, but being fastigiate less than half that across and it could take half a century to get there. Grow this on most moist-but-well-drained-soils except chalk. Tough enough for sun or partial shade in exposed or sheltered spots.