Graceful yet more than a little bit wild, species tulips look the way they did when European explorers stumbled upon them in western Asia centuries ago and breeders in Holland hybridised them into the flashy form we know and love.
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While they are smaller and look more delicate, species tulips are extraordinarily tough, thriving in barren, gritty soils, often emerging through rocky crevices. They settle in and naturalise (spread out) easily, so you’ll find more popping up season after season!
How to grow species tulips
Conditions
In their natural environment, species tulips often grow in cracks between rocks, so they’re well suited to the gritty, porous soil of home rock gardens. But they thrive in any well-drained soil. They need sun in spring and hot, dry conditions through the summer. Native to mostly dry regions, the bulbs will rot if the soil is kept moist, so plant them out of range of irrigation systems.
Planting
These little bulbs are available from garden centres and mail-order specialists in autumn. Plant them any time from May until the ground freezes. Put them in the ground, pointed ends up, in a 12cm-deep hole, then water in well.
Flowers and beyond
Most species tulips bloom in mid- to late-spring, usually for about two weeks. To encourage them to bloom again next spring, allow the flowers and foliage to fade naturally. Let the foliage stay in place for about six weeks before cutting it back. If you want the tulips to naturalise or spread out to fill a bed, don’t deadhead the flowers but allow seeds in the flowers to mature and produce more plants.
Climate
Most species tulips need a cold period for dormancy, but some – such as T.clusiana, T. bakeri and T. sylvestris – are known for their adaptability to warmer winters.
Fertilising
In the wild, species tulips grow in barren soils so don’t need to be pampered as hybrid tulips do. They need little or no feeding.
Watering
Species tulips have a low water requirement. Whether they are planted in a pot or a rock garden, watering once after planting is usually sufficient. Rainwater should suffice and the accumulation of water should be avoided.
Soil
The soil must drain very well. Rocky soil is the best choice. Adapt your soil, if necessary, by adding sand or gravel.
Aspect
Plant your species tulips where they will get full sun.
Garden design tips
The graceful habits of species tulips lend themselves to informal plantings. Avoid soldierly rows and plant bulbs in clusters by the handful instead.
What is the difference between species tulips and hybrid tulips?
There are several important distinctions that make species tulips different from the hybrid tulips that populate spring festivals.
- Species tulips are smaller than hybrids.
- The foliage of species tulips is more varied and interesting.
- Species tulips are more perennial.
- They produce multiple blooms on each stem.
- They will naturalise and spread in warm climates.
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