The genus Tulipa encompasses a vast array of spring-blooming bulbs, most of which are instantly recognizable as the classic, large-cupped flowers of late spring. While gardeners are familiar with the impressive stature and bold colors of highly-bred hybrid varieties, these represent only a fraction of the group’s diversity. Species tulips offer a more delicate beauty and a reliable, perennial presence in the garden, linking back to the plant’s wild origins.
Defining Species Tulips
Species tulips, often sold as botanical tulips, are the original, wild ancestors from which all modern garden hybrids descend. They are not the result of extensive cross-breeding but are naturally occurring species or cultivars genetically close to the wild form. The term refers to the approximately 78 recognized wild Tulipa species that originate primarily from Central Asia, Turkey, and the Mediterranean region.
Unlike familiar Darwin or Triumph hybrids, species tulips retain the smaller stature and hardiness of their ancestors. These wild types evolved to survive in mountainous regions with long, dry, hot summers and cold winters. This inherent toughness allows them to reliably return and multiply in a garden setting without the need for annual replanting.
Key Characteristics and Appearance
Species tulips are distinguished by several physical attributes that set them apart from their hybrid descendants. They are generally much smaller, often growing only between 4 to 12 inches tall, making them ideal for rock gardens or the front of a border. Their bloom time is typically earlier, frequently appearing in early spring alongside crocuses, weeks before taller hybrids begin to flower.
The flowers display a greater variety of shapes than the classic cup, opening into star, goblet, or wide, saucer-like forms. Many species tulips are multi-headed, meaning a single stem produces several blooms, creating a bouquet effect. Their foliage is also distinct, often being narrow and fine, sometimes lying flat against the ground, or featuring unique mottled or striped patterns.
Cultivation and Naturalization
Species tulips are valued for their vigorous, perennial nature, a trait often lost in highly hybridized varieties. To ensure they return and multiply, they require conditions that mimic their native arid, mountainous habitats. Full sun is necessary for strong growth, and well-draining soil is paramount, as the bulbs will rot if they sit in wet ground during their dormant period.
For planting, bulbs should be set in the autumn at a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches, which is often deeper than the depth recommended for hybrids. Incorporating sand or grit into the planting hole can improve drainage, especially in heavier soils. After flowering, the foliage must be allowed to yellow and die back naturally for approximately six weeks.
This process allows the leaves to photosynthesize and replenish the bulb’s energy stores for the following year’s bloom. Naturalization is the primary appeal of species tulips, referring to their ability to spread and establish permanent colonies in the garden. They achieve this through both self-seeding and the production of offsets, or small baby bulbs. Allowing the plant to set seed, rather than deadheading, encourages this natural spread.
Popular Types of Species Tulips
Several species tulips are widely available and consistently reliable in various garden settings. Tulipa tarda is an excellent example, a low-growing plant that produces clusters of star-shaped flowers, typically brilliant yellow with white tips. Despite its common name, Late Tulip, it is an early bloomer, and a single bulb can yield up to five flowers.
Tulipa turkestanica is another popular choice, known for producing multiple creamy-white to pale yellow, star-like flowers on each stem. The Lady Tulip, Tulipa clusiana, is recognizable by its slender, elegant form, with flowers that are white on the inside but often striped with pink, red, or purple on the exterior. Tulipa praestans is frequently sold in multi-flowered varieties like ‘Fusilier’ or ‘Shogun’, which produce vibrant, often scarlet, blooms in a cluster on a single stalk.