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International Flower Bulb Centre
Liliaceae
Tulipa kaufmanniana
Species Tulip, Waterlily Tulip
One of the earliest and most delightful of tulips, this hardy bulbous perennial from central Asia heralds spring's arrival with its starry flowers. Borne singly or in small clusters on calf-high stems, the yellow or white bloom are often marked or stained outside with red or pink. They have six "petals" and a yellow eye, and are often fragrant. The gray-green, lance-shaped, often undulating leaves are usually held close to the base of the stem. Numerous cultivars and hybrids of this species ("Kaufmanniana tulips") are available; hybrids with Tulipa greigii have maroon-streaked leaves. Although longer lived than many other tulips, they are nevertheless sometimes treated as annuals.
Tulip bulbs are a favorite food of small mammals including voles, and their succulent leaves and buds are favored by deer. Deep planting (at a depth of four to five times the bulbs' width) and underground barriers (such as buried hardware cloth) can discourage bulb predation. Interplanting with daffodils or other pest resistant bulbs may deter both below-ground and above-ground pest damage.
Despite these problems, tulips are generally easy to grow. Tulipa kaufmanniana itself requires full sun, gritty porous soil, and protection from excessive summer moisture. Its selections and hybrids are more adaptable, thriving in full sun to light shade and average to fertile well-drained soil. Leave the lower foliage of these tulips after they bloom, so they can collect and store energy for next spring’s display. Once the leaves start to yellow, cut plants to the ground. These tulips require winter chill to bloom.
Tulips are unsurpassed for bringing spring color to containers or sunny gardens. Be sure to consider height and bloom time when designing with them as these vary greatly from cultivar to cultivar. It is also wise to plant extra for cutting as they make superb long-lasting cut flowers. Cultivars and hybrids of this species are good for winter forcing.
8 - 1
4 - 8
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
Full Sun, Partial Sun
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
Early Spring
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring
Showy
White, Yellow, Red, Pink
Bicolor
Green, Tan
Gray Green
Yes
No
Single
Medium
Matte
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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