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Tulipa 'Little Beauty'
dwarf tulip
Garden origin (species from central Asia)
Overview
Tulipa 'Little Beauty' is a dwarf, species-type tulip, a bulbous perennial in the lily family reaching only 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall. It grows from a small bulb, with narrow, grey-green leaves close to the ground. In early to mid spring each stem carries one flower 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across that opens almost flat in sun to a rounded star. The petals are deep magenta-pink, marked at the base with a steel-blue to purple center ringed by a thin white band, giving a clear three-color eye. The flowers close in dull weather and at night. Being a species-type tulip, it is more reliable at returning and increasing year to year than large hybrid tulips, naturalizing in gritty, sun-baked ground. The foliage dies back by early summer as the bulb goes dormant. All parts contain tuliposides and are toxic if eaten. One limitation is its small size, which is lost in a large border, so it is planted massed in rock gardens, edging, or containers near eye level.
Native Range
Tulipa 'Little Beauty' is a garden cultivar of species-tulip origin and does not occur in the wild. Its wild relatives grow in the mountains and steppes of central Asia.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, troughs, gravel gardens, and at the front of sunny borders, and in containers. The bright magenta flowers combine with blue and white spring bulbs. It is grown for naturalizing in well-drained, sunny spots.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread3" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid spring, ahead of most large hybrid tulips. Each short stem carries a single flower that opens flat in sun and closes at night. Bloom lasts about two weeks in cool weather.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Magenta-pink with blue-purple eyeFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Tulipa 'Little Beauty' in full sun in gritty, sharply drained soil. Plant bulbs 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) deep in autumn. As a species-type tulip, it perennializes in lean, well-drained ground that bakes dry in summer, unlike many hybrid tulips. A neutral to alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5 suits it, and little feeding is needed. Leave the foliage to die back to feed the bulb. Lift and divide crowded clumps when dormant if flowering thins.Pruning
Remove faded flowers after bloom unless seed is wanted. Leave the leaves to yellow and wither before clearing them. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons