Species Tulip 'Persian Pearl' (Tulipa pulchella var. violacea 'Persian Pearl')

Species tulip 'Persian Pearl' (Tulipa pulchella var. violacea 'Persian Pearl') is a diminutive, jewel-like tulip native to the Middle East. A member of the Liliaceae family, it's prized for its intense magenta-purple flowers with a yellow base and reliable perennial habit.

Description

Bulbous perennial 4–6 inches tall. Leaves are narrow, gray-green. Flowers are cup-shaped, 2 inches across, magenta-purple with a distinct yellow center. Outer petals often show a silvery sheen. Blooms early spring (March–April). Naturalizes well, returning and multiplying yearly.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 4–8.
• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Very well-drained, gritty, neutral to alkaline. Essential for perennial return.
• Water: Dry summer dormancy required. Water in fall/spring; keep dry in summer.
• Planting: Plant bulbs 4–6 inches deep, 3 inches apart in fall.

Care & Maintenance

Allow foliage to die back naturally. No summer water. Fertilize in fall with bulb fertilizer. Divide crowded clumps every 3–4 years. Deer and rodent resistant.

Uses

Rock gardens, front of borders, alpine troughs, naturalized in grass, containers. Early pollinator forage.

Potential Issues

Bulb rot in wet soil. Botrytis in damp springs. Viruses (streaked flowers). Generally tough and long-lived.

A tiny, intense gem that naturalizes into a purple carpet each spring.