Tulipa clusiana var. stellata (15)
star-flowered tulip
A compact perennial bulb, up to 25cm high, with linear, glaucous leaves. Flowers from mid-late spring. Buds are heavily flamed with red, and open to star-shaped flowers that are white on the insides, with conspicuous black anthers
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red White | 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
- Clump forming
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from strong winds and excess winter wet. Species tulips may be left in the ground for several years, they do not need to be lifted annually. See tulip cultivation for more details
Propagation
Propagate by division, separating offsets in summer. See bulb propagation for more details
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead after flowering and remove fallen petals
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.