Tulipa

The common tulip is a bulbous perennial herb in the lily family (Liliaceae) that is native from southern Europe to central Asia. Tulips grow from 4 to 28 inches in height and bloom in middle to late spring with flowers that come in all colors except true blue. 

Plant tulips three times the depth of the bulb in fertile, organically rich but well-drained, medium-moisture soil in full sun. Bulb and root rots may occur in wet, poorly drained soils. They grow best in areas with cool, moist winters and warm dry summers and are typically grown in mass plantings. The plant is intolerant of heat and loses floral vigor when soil temperatures reach 70 degrees F. 

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 gardeners and horticulturists treat tulips, particularly hybrids, as annuals. There are hundreds of named cultivars of tulips, and they are often grouped (by retailers) into informal groups based on bloom time (e.g. Early Tulips), parentage (e.g., Kaufmanniana Hybrids and Fosteriana Hybrids), or flower form (e.g., Peony-flowered Tulips and Lily-flowered Tulips). Tulips come in a dazzling array of sizes, colors and shapes. It is no wonder they engendered "Tulip mania" in Europe in the 17th century.

Tulips make wonderful outdoor container plants, and they can be forced in containers for indoor displays. They are often grown in borders and cutting gardens, but their maximum impact is made in mass plantings when in bloom.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Tulip break virus, gray mold, and mosaic virus may occur. Pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. Mice and voles are attracted to the bulbs and will eat them. Squirrels may dig up newly planted bulbs. Deer will eat the flowers (but not the leaves). May cause contact dermatitis in some people.  

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.