About

A dwarf bulbous perennial, to 20cm tall, with lance-shaped leaves. Bright red flowers, marked with black at the base, appear in mid spring.

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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
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

CultivationPlant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil with protection from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds; see tulip cultivation
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by lifting and separating offsets; see bulb propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to tulip fire, tulip viruses and bulb rots