Tulipa tarda (15)
late tulip
A bulbous perennial to 15cm in height, with narrow, reddish-edged, glossy bright green leaves and racemes of up to 6, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers flushed bronze outside, the lower half bright yellow within, opening from early spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Miscellaneous tulips include all species and hybrids not otherwise classified
- Plant range
- C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds. See tulip cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by lifting and separating offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs
Diseases
May be susceptible to tulip fire and bulb rot in poorly drained soil
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.