About
A perennial bulb 10cm tall, producing one or two grey-green leaves, and perfumed, star-shaped flowers 4cm across, borne singly or in twos or threes from late winter. The white petals are golden-yellow at the base and flushed grey on the undersides.
About the genus
Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEgypt to W Siberia and W China
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationNeeds a warm, sunny position with sharp drainage and protection from excessive wet, summer or winter. Best in a rock garden, raised bed or alpine house. See tulip cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by lifting and separating offsets. See bulb propagation for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to tulip fire and bulb rot in poorly drained soil