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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–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
Accepted
- Horticultural Group
- Single Early Group tulips grow up to 45cm tall, with cup-shaped flowers to 7cm across, often margined or flamed with a contrasting colour, and flower in early and mid spring
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, protect from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds; 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
- Patio and container plants
- 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.