Tulipa tarda Species Tulip

Bloom Time

mid-spring

Height

4-6"

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Bloom Color

white-tipped yellow

Hardy in Zones

3–8

Species Tulips

The original wild tulips from the center of tulip diversity in central Asia, and their cultivars which still have a “wild” look. Our stock is nursery-propagated from commercial sources and is not collected in the wild. Once established with good drainage, these tend to perennialize (or naturalize) unlike many of the big hybrid tulips. Most species tulips are not tall, showy or formal, but they have their own halfling charms.

Tulips

One of the world’s most beloved flowers, garden tulips have captivated hearts and inspired artists for centuries with their vibrant colors and elegant forms. Cultivated from wild species during the Ottoman Empire, these enchanting bulbs found their way to the Netherlands in the 16th century where they sparked an economic frenzy known as “Tulip Mania” after being identified as symbols of wealth and prosperity.

Tulips continue to enchant gardeners and enthusiasts alike with their versatility and charm. Their kaleidoscope of colors and shapes in the spring makes them ideal for a wide range of garden designs and arrangements. Whether planted in beds, borders or containers, tulips bring a touch of elegance and joy to any landscape. Most varieties are also good for cutting, and many are good for forcing. See our tulip comparison chart for further reference.

To help protect your tulips from marauding critters, try interplanting with genera that are unattractive to pests, like Allium, Fritillaria and Narcissus.

Garden Tulips are hardy in Zones 3-7, unless otherwise noted. All our tulip bulbs measure at least 12cm, unless specified.

Planting Tulips for Longevity

Some gardeners treat tulips like annuals and buy new ones every year, while others painstakingly dig their bulbs up in summer after the foliage has browned and store them to replant in the fall.

If (like us) you are thrifty and/or lazy, there’s an easier way to encourage tulips to come back year after year. Choose a sunny location and plant the bulbs 8–10" deep (yes, that deep!) in well-drained soil, 3–4 weeks before the ground freezes.

During spring growth, check the soil weekly if there is little rain, and water if 1/2" below the surface is dry. Deadhead to force the plant’s energy into the bulb. Don’t cut or tie the foliage until it has begun to yellow. Overplant with annuals or perennials to help keep the soil dry down where the bulb is.

Items from our perennial plants warehouse will ship around late September through October. Bulbs can be planted successfully up until your ground freezes.

Note to Alaska and far north customers: We cannot guarantee an early shipment, so please plan accordingly and order early.

We cannot accommodate specific ship date requests or guarantee your order will arrive by a certain day.