About
A perennial bulb with grey-green, broadly lance-shaped leaves streaked and mottled with dark red or purple. Flowers on this species tulip may be red or yellow, with black markings on a yellow base, and held on downy, pink or brown tinted stems. Flowers in early spring, and stands to about 50cm high.
About the genus
Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toC Asia
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from strong winds and excess winter wet. Species tulips may be left in the ground for several years, they do not need to be lifted annually. See tulip cultivation for more details
PruningDeadhead after flowering and remove fallen petals
PropagationPropagate by division, separating offsets in summer. See bulb propagation for more details
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