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Fosteriana Tulips Tulipa fosteriana

Phonetic Spelling
TOO-li-pa fos-ter-ee-AY-nuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

A wild species of tulips found in the mountains of Central Asia.  It is not cultivated any longer but several of its cultivars are very popular.  Plant the bulbs at a depth of 4-7", 4" apart in the fall for a beautiful spring show. Blooms in early spring and has a black 'eye' and rounded tepals. Tulips generally decline yearly when exposed to temperatures above 70 degrees F. They are best when grouped and mass planted. Variegation is due to a viral infection so patterns vary greatly.

Quick ID

  • Single cup-shaped flower with alternate, clasping leaves
  • Flower has black eye, black anthers
  • Tepals are rounded at apex

Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The lady tulip has no serious insect or disease issues. Aphids, slugs, and snails may be seen. Gray squirrels, mice, voles, and deer are attracted and may eat the bulbs or plants. Diseases such as tulip fire, tulip gray bulb rot, and viruses can occur. Blue mold may develop on stored bulbs. In poorly drained soils, root or bulb rot may also occur.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Tulipa.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Exotic Emperor'
    Double white flower
  • 'Madame Lefeber'
    Red flowers
  • 'Orange Emperor'
    Orange flower
  • 'Red Emperor'
    Red poppy-like flowers
  • 'Yellow Purissam'
    Yellow flowers
'Exotic Emperor', 'Madame Lefeber', 'Orange Emperor', 'Red Emperor', 'Yellow Purissam'
Tags:
#showy flowers#low maintenance#spring flowers#mass planting#flower arrangements#naturalizes#rock garden#border planting#bedding plants#cutting garden#fantz#small group plantings#spring flowering bulbs#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Exotic Emperor'
    Double white flower
  • 'Madame Lefeber'
    Red flowers
  • 'Orange Emperor'
    Orange flower
  • 'Red Emperor'
    Red poppy-like flowers
  • 'Yellow Purissam'
    Yellow flowers
'Exotic Emperor', 'Madame Lefeber', 'Orange Emperor', 'Red Emperor', 'Yellow Purissam'
Tags:
#showy flowers#low maintenance#spring flowers#mass planting#flower arrangements#naturalizes#rock garden#border planting#bedding plants#cutting garden#fantz#small group plantings#spring flowering bulbs#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tulipa
    Species:
    fosteriana
    Family:
    Liliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central Asia
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are red, orange, yellow, white or variegated, cup-shaped, erect, faintly scented; tepals 6, to 7 inches, rounded, free, in 2 whorls, marked basally with black fan-shaped or 2-3 pointed blotch, edged yellow; anthers black; stigma 3-lobed, prominent.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are simple, alternate, lanceolate-ovate, acute, clasping, entire, glossy gray-green, sometimes striped or mottled, 12 x 6 in.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are green but tinged pink, 6-20 inches.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation. Highest concentration of toxin in bulb.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Tulipalin A and B
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No