Liriodendron tulipifera Aureomarginatum

The Liriodendron tulipifera Aureomarginatum is a very beautiful variety of Virginia Tulip Tree, less vigorous than the species, but with particularly ornamental foliage, bright green strongly marginated with yellow in spring. Appreciated for its beautiful autumn colours, in shades of gold and orange, it will also surprise in summer, when curious cup-shaped flowers appear on a subject about 8 years old, pale greenish yellow, orange at the base, resembling large tulips. Make sure to leave enough space for this Tulip Tree; it is a relatively large tree that will quickly fill up all the space in a small garden.

The Virginia Tulip Tree, from the magnolia family, is native to the central west of the United States. This tree, which can live up to 300 years (in Europe), can reach a height of 40m (131 ft 2 in) at maturity in its native lands. In our gardens, however, its adult size varies between 15 and 25m (49 ft 2 in and 82 ft) in height.

The 'Aureomarginatum' cultivar, slower growing than the type, is distinguished by a more modest stature, but also by its smaller leaves variegated with yellow, and then yellowish green in summer. At maturity, this tree will reach an average height of 15m (49 ft 2 in). It has a broadly conical habit, composed of a fairly short straight trunk, covered with a whitish bark and topped by a crown reaching 6 to 7m (19 ft 8 in to 23 ft) in spread. The young branches are dark red in colour, then become dark gray. Its 10 to 12cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) leaves are deciduous, divided into 4 lobes separated by distinct notches, giving them the silhouette of a tulip. The foliage is strongly variegated with yellow in spring, greener in summer, and then turns yellow in autumn. Flowering occurs from May to July. The flowers of this Liriodendron are solitary, with 9 very light green tepals, slightly yellowish to white, tinged with orange at the base, arranged in a wide cup shape reminiscent of tulips. They are slightly fragrant, with a lemony scent. Inside the cup, there is a large white-cream central cone, surrounded by a crown of erect stamens measuring 4 to 5cm (1.6 to 2 in). Forming on mature individuals, the fruit of the tulip tree resembles that of the magnolia; it is ovoid in shape, dark brown, 5cm (2 in) long, and persists in winter. It releases winged achenes measuring 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2 in).

The Virginia Tulip Tree Aureomarginatum, perfectly hardy, prefers rich, deep, and well-drained soils and sunny exposures. It will find its place in a garden of ample size, placed in isolation on a short grass meadow, near a large pond, or planted as an avenue tree on the boundary of a property. For example, it can be associated with large blue conifers (Cedrus libani atlantica 'Glauca', Cupressus arizonica 'Fastigiata', Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris') for the contrast of foliage in autumn.