Tulipa

Tulipa, or the common Tulip, is a bulbous perennial herb that blooms in mid- to late spring with flowers in with all solid or mixed colors except true blue. You can grow tulips in organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. They grow best in areas with cool, moist winters and warm dry summers. and are typically grown in mass plantings.

The common garden tulip as well as a vast array of complex hybrid cultivars are commonly planted for their spring flowers. Over 3500 names applied to tulips are currently listed. Taxonomic difficulties abound in Tulipa due to their long-established cultivation, hybridization, and selection. Tulips are generally organized into 15 divisions based upon flower shape and origin; for example, the Single Early Group with single, cup-shaped flowers blooming in early spring, Single Late Group with single, cup/goblet-shaped flowers blooming in late spring, the Parrot Group with single, cup-shaped, late spring flowers with fringed and ruffled tepals, and many others. 

To grow from bulbs, plant bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep (or three times the depth of the bulb) in fall. In heavy clay soils, a slightly shallower depth is best. Space bulbs 2 to 5 inches apart depending on plant size. Tulips may be grown as perennials or as annuals, although species tulips often perform better than hybrid plants as perennials. When growing tulips as perennials, promptly remove spent flower stems after bloom to prevent seeding, but do not remove foliage until it yellows. In most cases, tulip performance declines substantially starting with the second year. Many growers prefer growing tulips, particularly hybrids, as annuals.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Tulip break virus causes white or greenish streaks in perianth color. The plant is intolerant to heat loads and loses floral vigor when soil temperatures reach 70 degrees. Bulb and root rots may occur, particularly in wet, poorly drained soils. Gray mold and mosaic virus may also occur. Animal pests include aphids, slugs and snails. Mice and voles are attracted to the bulbs. Squirrels may dig up newly planted bulbs.  May cause contact dermatitis in some people.  

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