Variegated Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum'
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Attracts pollinators |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 9b |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Loamy |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Blooms In | Spring, Summer |
| Flower Color | Orange, Yellow |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
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.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 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
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Other varieties
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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum'
Regular price $14329Unit price /Unavailable -
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer'
Regular price $14329Unit price /Unavailable -
My previous sapling tulip poplars both died which was saddening I had purchased them as little seedlings hoping to watch them grow tall but that wasn’t the destiny of the future for them so I gave up on trying to grow the tulip poplar again until recently when I saw nature hills nursery had the little volunteer tulip poplar tree in stock though I had already planted a October glory maple sapling…My friend had expressed the desire of wanting a tree for his backyard & I still had the desire in wanting another tulip poplar but on a smaller scale. So I ended up digging up the October glory maple sapling & gave it to him as a early birthday gift while I saw there were only 3 little volunteer tulip polar trees in stock at nature hills nursery I pulled the trigger & decided to take one last chance on this tree I’ve been wanting to grow & have a love for a while. This tree arrived healthy & beautifully & honestly it’s the right size tree for the space as well not too tall & wont be to wide as in width of the tree. I planted this the very day I received it also where I had previously planted the October Glory Maple tree as we were in the middle of a heatwave the last week of June here in St.Louis. I thought the tree would shed some leaves once planted but it’s maintained it’s green leaves the entire time so far however it also helps that it’s been a bit unusual stormy here in the St.Louis area so that’s helped it’s typically very hot & dry with sporadic chances of storms during July. In all my friend is very pleased with how the October glory maple looks in his backyard & I’m ecstatic about this little volunteer tulip poplar tree I’m very patient in watching it grow in fact it has some new growth on it already so all in all my friend wins & I win. Thank you nature hills nursery for delivering me another healthy beautiful tree this was definitely a last minute take a chance decision for me…
Shane, what a journey to finally get a Tulip Poplar established, and planting it the same day it arrived during a St. Louis heatwave takes some dedication. The fact that it held its leaves and is already pushing new growth tells you the root system came through in good shape. Liriodendron tulipifera tends to reward patient growers, and it sounds like you are exactly that. Thanks for sharing the story, and for passing the October Glory along to a friend who clearly appreciated it.
I have been looking for a Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer' for years, and finally found one at Nature Hills. It came, larger than expected, five feet tall from the crown, and leafed out in the Spring. It was also very reasonably priced. It has since has put on some new growth and seems very happy.
While it did not hurt the plant, the bottom of the box was open, and would have benefitted from a bit more tape prior to shipping. Otherwise the packing was very well done.
Tree looks great!
Variegated Tulip Trees do have a way of catching the eye, so it's great to hear yours is off to a good start, Vernon. As it settles in, make sure it gets plenty of sun and consistent moisture through the first season. Thanks for sharing the update.
Great packaging. Hard to find tree. Leaves a little wilted but perking up now that in ground awhile.
Tulip trees can be tricky to source, so it's great to hear you tracked one down and got it in the ground. A little wilting after transit is normal as the roots settle in and start to establish, and it sounds like yours is already bouncing back. The variegated foliage on this one is really something once the tree hits its stride. Thanks for the note on packaging too, Janie.
Angie,
Thank you so very much for the Absolutly wonderfull varigated Tulip Poplar Tree! It looks amazing! very well branched full of leaves, it will be the centerpeice of my front yard!! Id pay top dollar if I knew all mail order trees looked as great as this one. There were a couple bumps along the way, however; you went above and beyond and made things more than right. Thank you Angie and the Nature Hills gang!! Youve gained a customer for life!
Chad, it sounds like your Variegated Tulip Tree arrived in great shape, and hearing that it will anchor your front yard is exactly the kind of outcome we hope for with a tree like this. They develop such a striking presence as they mature, so you have a lot to look forward to. We will pass your kind words along to Angie. Thank you for sticking with us through the bumps, and welcome to the Nature Hills family for life.
Very healthy tree. Excited to watch it grow!
Tulip trees are so rewarding to watch develop over the seasons, and Little Volunteer is a great choice for those who want that classic tulip tree character in a more compact form. Glad it arrived in good shape. Give it a good deep watering during dry spells that first season and it should settle in well for you.
