Tulip

The jewels of the spring bulb garden, tulips come in a huge range of flower shapes, sizes, and colors.

About This Plant

From formal plantings to naturalized woodlands, there's a tulip for every setting. Best in cold winters, cool springs/summers. Species tulips reliably perennial; larger types may need replanting every few years. Colors: apricot, pink, salmon, red, deep maroon, white. Forms: double, ruffled, fringed, lily-shaped. Height 6 inches to 2 feet. Stagger bloom times for early to late spring. Some good for indoor forcing.

Special Features

• Good for cut flowers

Site Selection

Full sun to light shade, well-drained soil. Shelter tall varieties from wind.

Planting Instructions

Fall, 6–8 weeks before hard frost, soil <60°F (Sept–Oct North, Oct–Nov South). Loosen soil 12–15 inches, add 2–4 inches compost. Hole ~3x bulb height. Set pointy end up, cover, firm. Space 4–6 inches. Water thoroughly. If voles/mice problematic, plant in buried wire cages.

Care

Water during fall dry spells. After spring bloom, cut flower stalks, let leaves die back naturally (hide with other plants). Annual compost adequate. Large varieties may need replanting every few years; small types multiply and spread.