Variegated Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum'

Nature Hills Nursery

Golden-Margined Leaves Create a Shimmering Two-Toned Canopy Year-Round
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 50-70 ft Tall, 30-40 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$143²⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

The Variegated Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum') is one of the most striking native shade trees you can plant. Each leaf is edged in gold, creating a luminous two-toned canopy that catches the light from spring through fall. Add in the tulip-shaped, yellow-green flowers with orange bands that appear in late spring, and you've got a tree that earns its Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

Why You'll Love the Variegated Tulip Tree

Gold-margined foliage delivers a unique two-toned effect all season long
Fragrant, tulip-shaped blooms appear in May and June with distinctive orange banding
One of the fastest growing native shade trees, reaching 50 to 70 feet tall
Brilliant golden-yellow fall color lights up the autumn landscape
Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Moderately deer resistant, so your investment stays intact

Growing Conditions

The Variegated Tulip Tree thrives in zones 4 through 9. Plant it in full sun (six or more hours daily) for the best leaf color and flowering, though it will tolerate part shade. It prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Consistent moisture is important, especially during the first few years of establishment. Once settled in, this tree is remarkably self-sufficient.

Size and Growth Habit

Expect a mature height of 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. Growth rate is fast, so you won't wait long for meaningful shade. The form is upright and stately with a strong central leader, making it an impressive specimen even from a distance. The straight trunk and high branching habit give it a grand, columnar silhouette.

Landscape Uses and Design Ideas

This tree was made for large yards, estates, and parks where it can spread out and show off. Plant it as a focal point in the center of your lawn, or use it along property borders for a dramatic living boundary. It pairs beautifully with other native plants and makes a strong addition to any shade tree planting. For an eye-catching mixed border, combine it with lower-growing natives that attract pollinators.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant your Variegated Tulip Tree in spring or early fall for the smoothest establishment. Dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper, and water thoroughly after planting. Mulch out to the drip line to keep roots cool and moist, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Learn more about growing large shade trees in our guide to fast-growing shade trees, and discover other plants with striking foliage in variegated plants you need in your garden. Browse our full selection of fast-growing trees and flowering trees to find the perfect companion plantings.

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can the Variegated Tulip Tree survive in?

The Variegated Tulip Tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. This wide range means it can handle winter temperatures from -30°F to 20°F. Plant it in full sun with moist, well-drained soil for best results.

How fast does the Variegated Tulip Tree grow per year?

The Variegated Tulip Tree is classified as a fast-growing shade tree, typically adding 2-3 feet per year once established. This rapid growth means you'll have meaningful shade within just a few years of planting. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly in zones 4-9.

Is the Variegated Tulip Tree deer resistant?

The Variegated Tulip Tree is moderately deer resistant, meaning deer will typically avoid it but may browse during times of food scarcity. This native shade tree's natural compounds make it less palatable than many ornamental alternatives. Plant it in open areas where deer activity is visible to monitor any potential browsing.

What are good companion plants to grow near a Variegated Tulip Tree?

Native understory plants like redbud, dogwood, and spicebush work beautifully beneath this 50-70 foot canopy. Since it's a host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, pair it with other native butterfly plants like wild bergamot or native asters. Plant companions at least 20 feet from the trunk to allow for its 30-40 foot spread.

Does the Variegated Tulip Tree require any special fertilization or soil amendments?

The Variegated Tulip Tree thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil without special fertilization once established. Focus on consistent watering during the first few years, then this fast-growing native becomes remarkably self-sufficient. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly in zones 4-9.

Will the variegated foliage maintain its coloring throughout the growing season?

The gold-margined foliage holds its striking two-toned effect from spring through fall. Full sun exposure (six or more hours daily) is key to maintaining the best leaf coloration throughout the growing season.