The sought-after predecessors to the modern tulips are likely to come back every year and multiply.
Species tulips are sought after for their striking looks; some have contrasting colored centers when fully open.
Most species tulips act like lily-key in tulips, only fully opening on sunny days.
At night, and on overcast days, the blooms stay closed.
The foliage of species tulips is smaller and less obtrusive than modern tulip varieties.
The pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline.
Species tulips look great in rock gardens, low perennial borders, or in front of shrubs.
How and When to Plant Species Tulips
Species tulips are planted in the fall.
Space the bulbs 4 inches apart.
Species Tulips Care Tips
Species tulips are just as easy to care for as other tulips.
Soil and Water
Well-draining soil is a must for tulips.
Originating in rocky, mountainous terrain, species tulips withstand droughts and won’t tolerate wet soils.
The optimalpH range is between 6.0 and 6.5.
High humidity during the summer is usually not a problem because by that time the foliage has disappeared.
Like all tulips, species tulips will only flower if they undergo a chilling period during their dormancy.
In the absence of rain, lightly water the plants after fertilizing.
Allow the foliage to die back naturally and leave it on for six to eight weeks.
If it hasnt disintegrated by that point, remove and discard it.
Use a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining, gritty potting mix.
In a climate with subzero winters, plant the bulbs in pots in the fall.
Overwinter the pots in a cool dry area, such as an unheated garage or a cool root cellar.
Water infrequently and only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
As the tulips are unlikely to bloom again, discard them after the bloom.
Aphids are a common pest.
For those reasons, it is better to purchase bulbs from a reputable company.
Types of Species Tulips
Fire Flame Tulip
Tulipa acuminatais a tulip species native to Turkey.
The long, pointed, scarlet-red and yellow petals are twisted at the tips and look like flames.
The plant reaches 14 to 16 inches in height.
The species is native to Greece.
Zone 5-8
Candia Tulip
Tulipa saxatilisis ashort tulip growing only 6 inches in height.
It has rose-colored petals with a yellow base.
Its native range is in the East Aegean Islands, Crete, and Turkey.
Zone 5-10
Tulipa humilis
The flowers of this species are bicolored.
Lady Jane has rosy-red exterior petals and an ivory white interior with a yellow base.
It grows 12 inches tall and is suitable for Zone 4-8.
Popular cultivars are Quebec whose rosy-red petals have cream-yellow margins, and Toronto' with coral pink petals.
There are many coreopsis to choose from, both annuals and perennials.
A compact, non-spreading, dwarf variety works best with tulips.
And they thrive in rocky, well-drained soil just like tulips.
They return repeatedly every year if they are planted in the right conditions and wont be disturbed.
Species tulips should be left alone and never be cut for bouquets.
If you would like tulips for cut flowers, plant hybrid tulips in a cutting garden.
