Tulipa spp., tulips
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Perennials

Tulipa spp.

tulips

LiliaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypeBulb
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4–28 inches (10–70 cm)
Width4–8 inches (10–20 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Tulipa is a genus of approximately 75–110 species of spring-blooming bulbiferous geophytes in the family Liliaceae, native to a broad arc from southern Europe and North Africa east through Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Himalayas to western China, with the greatest species diversity in the steppes of Central Asia and the mountains of the Pamir-Alai. Each plant grows from a tunicate bulb — with papery outer scales — producing two to six strap-shaped, waxy, blue-green leaves and a single erect flowering stem topped by a solitary, showy flower with six tepals (three petals and three sepals of similar appearance) in every color except true blue-green. Plants typically grow 4–28 inches (10–70 cm) tall depending on species and cultivar class. The 15 horticultural divisions of the modern garden tulip — including Single Early, Darwin Hybrid, Triumph, Parrot, Viridiflora, Fringed, and Species (Botanical) tulips — collectively provide flowering across an eight-to-ten-week window from late winter through late spring. In Pacific Northwest gardens, tulips are planted as autumn bulbs and flower March–May depending on class. Note: in the cool, moist Pacific Northwest climate, most garden tulip hybrids perform reliably for two to four years before diminishing; Species (Botanical) tulips such as T. clusiana, T. humilis, T. bakeri, and T. tarda are more reliably perennial. All parts are mildly toxic to pets.

Native Range

Native to a broad arc from southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece, Crete) and North Africa east through Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), and the Pamir-Alai mountains to western China, growing in dry, rocky steppes, open hillsides, and mountain meadows in well-drained soils with cold winters and dry summers. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Tulips are among the most important and versatile spring-flowering bulbs for Pacific Northwest gardens, providing color across an eight-to-ten-week window depending on cultivar class. Outstanding in formal bedding schemes, mixed perennial borders, naturalized meadow plantings, and containers. Species tulips — particularly T. clusiana, T. humilis 'Violacea', T. tarda, and T. sylvestris — are longer-lived and more reliably perennial in Pacific Northwest conditions and are recommended for permanent planting. Darwin Hybrid tulips offer the largest flowers and strongest stems for cut flower use. Combine across classes for maximum seasonal extension.

How to Identify

Tulips are identified by their tunicate bulbs (with papery brown outer scales), two to six strap-shaped, waxy, blue-green alternate leaves (often with wavy margins), and solitary, erect, bowl-shaped to cup-shaped flowers with six tepals in any color except true blue-green. Flower forms vary widely by cultivar class: cup-shaped (Single Early, Triumph), lily-flowered (pointed, reflexed tepals), parrot (fringed, twisted, irregular), fringed (finely toothed petal margins), viridiflora (green-striped tepals). Many cultivars display a contrasting dark basal blotch inside the flower. The characteristic six-tepal, single-stemmed spring flower from a brown-tunicated bulb is immediately diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 2'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
yellow
pink
white
purple
orange

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Tulips bloom in spring in Pacific Northwest gardens, with timing depending on cultivar class: Species tulips and Single Early tulips typically bloom March–April; Triumph, Darwin Hybrid, and Double tulips in April–May; Parrot, Viridiflora, and Fringed tulips in late April–May. The full range of classes collectively spans eight to ten weeks of flowering. Individual flower clusters last one to three weeks. Cool spring temperatures in the Pacific Northwest generally extend the flowering period.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Every color except true blue-green; six tepals, solitary, erect; often with contrasting dark basal blotch; forms vary widely by cultivar class

Foliage Description

Strap-shaped, waxy, blue-green; two to six leaves per stem; often with wavy margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant bulbs in autumn, October–November in Pacific Northwest gardens, at a depth of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in full sun in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tulips require full sun and excellent drainage — wet soils cause bulb rot. In the Pacific Northwest, heavier soils benefit from the addition of coarse grit and raised planting to improve drainage. Allow foliage to die back fully after flowering (six to eight weeks) before removing — do not tie or cut back prematurely as the bulb requires this period to build energy. Most garden tulip hybrids perform best for two to four years in Pacific Northwest conditions; Species tulips are more reliably perennial.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers by snapping off the flower head, leaving the stem and all foliage intact. Allow foliage to die back naturally over six to eight weeks after flowering — this is essential for bulb renewal. Only remove foliage once it is fully yellow and papery. Interplant with later-emerging perennials to conceal the ripening foliage in formal beds.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets