Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001484
11/12/99

Tulipa spp--Tulip


Height: to 30 in Spacing: 6 in
Type: hardy bulb
Flowers: Nearly all colors (Vis. 1).

Comments: The many varieties of Tulip provide a long
season of bloom if cultivars are carefully selected.
Plant at least 12 bulbs of each variety for best effect.
Tulip bulbs bruise easily but tolerate most well-drained
soils. They are more susceptible to rots in wet soil.
Mid- to late season flowers last longer in partial shade,
otherwise plant in full sun. The bulbs are planted in
October at a depth of 6 inches, smaller bulbs are planted
4 inches deep.

Propagation: Division is done when the foliage matures.
After digging they can be stored until planting time in
October.

Cultivars: There are many species and strains of tulips.
Some of the more common are listed below.
T. clusiana - Fragrant red or white flowers are
produced on 8-inch stems (Vis. 2). Prefers hot
weather.
T. fosterana - Emperor Tulips - These large flowers are
produced on 12 inch stems and can be orange, pink,
red, white, yellow. Some have mottled foliage.
T. greigii - Red and yellow flowers are combined with
mottled foliage. The plants are 8 inches tall.
T. hybrids - There are many strains of hybrids
including Triumph, Cottage, Darwin and Lily-flowered
tulips. Flowers are produced in nearly all colors.
T. kaufmanniana - The flower colors are red, white and
yellow. The earliest flowering tulip. The foliage
is variegated (Vis. 3).
T. praestans - These tulips produce several flowers per
stems. The flowers are red (Vis. 4).

References for Cultivars: North Central Regional Extension
Publication 339.


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