The Tulipa is a genus from the lily family (Liliaceae) and is commonly named tulip. Originally the Tulipa comes a wide area stretching from North-Africa and southern Europe to the northwest of China.
The word tulipa comes from the Persian word “dulband” which means turban because the sultans wore a tulip on their turban.
The tulip is a bulbous perennial that emerges from February after a cold resting period (they need this) and blooms in spring. The Tulipa is available in many colors shapes and sizes and can be planted in rock gardens and borders. The flower is very suitable as cut flower.
Tulips grow best in a climate with a long spring with cold nights and a dry summer. The best period to plant the bulbs is between October and December. Preferably when the average nighttime temperatures are between 4 to 10 ºC (40 to 50 ºF). The ground may not be frozen or too wet. In colder northern climates you may have to plant the bulbs in September and in warmer climates December or later may be best. Plant the bulbs with the pointy side up and about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep.
Do not cut away the leaves after bloom until they turn yellow. The Tulipa needs those to collect enough energy into the bulb for blooming next year. It is best to cut away the withered flower. If you don’t do that the plant will put too much energy in producing seeds. That would lead to less energy in the bulb to flower abundantly next year. The tulip produces new small bulbs that need at least a year to start flowering.
Attracts bees: no
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Deer resistant: no
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: various
Flowering time: April – June
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -20 ºC (-4 F)
Height: 20 inches (50 cm)
Soil: normal