Tulipa iliensis (15)
cowslip-scented tulip
A compact perennial bulb up to 20cm in height with strap-like grey-green foliage and upright stems producing fragrant lemon-yellow flowers, dark red on the outside tainted with sage green at the base, appearing in March
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Red Green | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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 to NW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil with shelter from strong winds and protection from excessive wet. See tulip cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by lifting and separating offsets. See bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering; allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm, squirrels may eat 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.