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Tulipa gesneriana

garden tulip

Liliaceae

Cultivated origin; derived from Central Asian and Anatolian species

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Tulipa gesneriana, the garden tulip, is a spring-flowering bulb in the lily family and the main ancestor of most modern garden tulips. It grows 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall, with two to four broad, grey-green, slightly waxy leaves clasping a single upright stem. Each stem carries one large, goblet- to cup-shaped flower 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long with six smooth, rounded segments; cultivated forms span almost every colour except true blue, including reds, yellows, pinks, purples, whites, and bicolours. The flowers open in mid to late spring and close at night and in cold weather. After bloom the foliage yellows and dies back as the bulb returns to summer dormancy. Although perennial, the garden tulip often flowers strongly only in its first spring and declines in later years in mild or wet climates, so it is frequently replanted from fresh bulbs each autumn. The bulbs and sap contain tulipalin compounds that are toxic to pets and can cause skin irritation in people, and deer and rodents readily dig and eat the bulbs.

Native Range

The garden tulip is of cultivated origin and is not reliably known in the wild; it is thought to derive from tulip species of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Anatolia. It has naturalized locally in parts of southern and central Europe.

Suggested Uses

Planted in spring borders, formal bedding, mass displays, and containers, and used widely as a cut flower. It combines with other spring bulbs and early perennials. It suits seasonal display where bulbs are refreshed regularly.

How to Identify

Recognize it by a single large cup-shaped flower on an upright stem above a few broad, grey-green clasping leaves in spring. The six glossy flower segments form a rounded goblet that opens flat in warm sun. Garden forms vary enormously in colour, but all arise from a tunic-covered bulb.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'

Width/Spread4" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, roughly March to May depending on climate and cultivar group. Each plant blooms for one to two weeks, longer in cool conditions. Early, mid, and late cultivars together extend the tulip season across spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red, yellow, pink, purple, white, orange, and bicolours

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

blooms the first spring after autumn planting

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tulipa gesneriana grows in full sun on fertile, free-draining soil and is planted as a dry bulb in autumn, set about 6 inches (15 cm) deep. It needs a cold winter to flower well and rots in waterlogged ground over summer. Bulbs are kept fairly dry during their summer dormancy, and lifting and storing them after the leaves die back can improve repeat flowering. Foliage is left intact until it yellows so the bulb can rebuild. A balanced feed at planting and after bloom supports the following year's flower. In warm-winter areas the bulbs are pre-chilled before planting.

Pruning

Deadhead faded flowers to stop seed formation and direct energy into the bulb. Leave the leaves until they yellow and wither, then cut them away. Lift and store bulbs over summer where reliable reflowering is wanted.