Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum' – A Columnar Tree with Majestic Foliage and Stunning Seasonal Colour
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum', also known as the Columnar Tulip Tree, is a tall, narrow variety of the classic Tulip Tree, renowned for its upright, columnar form and impressive seasonal displays. This tree offers a striking silhouette with its distinctive tulip-shaped leaves and vibrant autumn colour, making it an excellent choice for narrow spaces, formal gardens, and larger landscapes.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In spring, 'Fastigiatum' begins to leaf out with bright, fresh green foliage, creating a delicate canopy of large, tulip-shaped leaves. The tree also produces its characteristic greenish-yellow, tulip-like flowers, which are followed by the development of its distinctive leaves.
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Summer: During the summer, the tree’s dense, rich green foliage provides a lush, shaded area beneath. The upright, columnar form allows it to stand tall and create a structured presence in the garden, while the leaves continue to provide texture and depth.
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Autumn: In autumn, 'Fastigiatum' transforms with a spectacular display of golden-yellow and orange foliage, adding vibrant colour to the landscape. The tree’s narrow shape highlights the brilliance of the autumn leaves, making it a standout feature in any garden or park. The foliage gradually drops, leaving behind the tree’s tall, elegant form.
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Winter: In winter, the bare branches create a striking vertical silhouette against the sky. The smooth, grey bark and the tall, columnar structure of the tree remain attractive during the colder months, providing winter interest even without foliage.
Structure & Form
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum' is a medium to large-sized tree with an upright, columnar growth habit. Typically reaching a height of 12–15m (40–50ft) and a narrow spread of 4–6m (13–20ft), this variety of Tulip Tree is perfect for locations where vertical space is needed but horizontal space is limited. Its compact, pyramidal form makes it ideal for formal plantings, narrow streetscapes, or as a tall accent tree in gardens and parks.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Narrow Urban Spaces: 'Fastigiatum' is particularly well-suited for narrow spaces, such as city streets, avenues, or small gardens, where its vertical growth habit allows it to fit into areas that wider trees cannot.
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Specimen & Feature Trees: Its striking columnar shape and seasonal colour make 'Fastigiatum' an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree or feature tree in gardens or parks, providing height and elegance.
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Formal & Urban Gardens: Its neat, upright form makes it a perfect choice for formal gardens or structured landscapes where clean lines and symmetry are desired.
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Wildlife Gardens: The flowers attract pollinators, while the tree’s seeds provide food for birds in the winter, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For the best results and vibrant autumn colours, plant in a sunny location, though it will tolerate some shade.
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Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, this tree is well-suited to temperate climates and can withstand cold temperatures and frost, making it ideal for a wide range of regions.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune in winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. This tree is generally pest and disease-resistant and requires minimal care.
Why Choose Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum'?
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum' is a magnificent, columnar tree that combines elegance, structure, and vibrant seasonal beauty. Its narrow form makes it perfect for small spaces and urban environments, while its striking foliage and tulip-shaped flowers make it an outstanding feature in any landscape.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer rubrum (Red Maple) or Betula pendula (Silver Birch) for a mix of textures and contrasting seasonal colour.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Rhododendron or Viburnum for a lush, multi-season garden that complements the tree’s striking foliage.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Astilbe, Hostas, or Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) for texture and movement in shaded areas under the tree's canopy.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Narcissus (Daffodils), Crocus, or Tulips for a burst of early-season colour before the tree fully leafs out.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiatum' is an outstanding tree that offers vertical elegance, spectacular seasonal colour, and minimal maintenance. Its narrow, columnar form makes it a perfect choice for gardens with limited space, as well as for adding a striking focal point to urban landscapes. With its vibrant autumn display and graceful shape, this tree is sure to be a standout in any setting.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
