About
Oratorio' Attains 20cm, with grey-green leaves marked with purple, and rose-pink flowers, black at the base, and orange-pink within.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal 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 shelter from strong winds and protection from excessive wet. See tulip cultivation for further advice
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