Tulipa clusiana / Tulipa stellate

("Specie tulips / Rockgarden tulips / Wild tulips / Candle Stick tulips / Lady tulips")

Tulipa clusiana / Tulipa stellate

Native to Eastern Europe and Asia in areas with Summer drought. Various varieties in lovely colors are available. The flowers form a star when completely open (which they do on sunny days, only to close back up at night) showing a different colour on the inside than on the outside.

What You Need To Know Before You Plant:

When Will This Flower Bloom?

Mid Spring

When Should I Buy and Plant These Bulbs?

Fall

What Kind of Light Does This Bulb Prefer?

Full sun to partial shade

What Color Will the Flower Be?

The species is pure white with dark pink on the exterior of the petals and a black heart inside (see 'popular varieties' for oth

How Far Apart Should I Plant These Bulbs?

3 in / 8 cm

How Deep Should I Dig?

4 in / 10 cm

How Tall Will It Grow?

12-14 in / 30-35 cm

Recommended Number of Bulbs Per Square Foot?

15

Is It Deer/Critter Resistant?

No

How Can I Best Use It in My Landscaping?

In borders, rock gardens and naturalized (grassy) areas.

What Should I Do After Flowering?

Allow the foliage to die back on its own. Remove the flower heads after blooming (or the seed pods if they develop): this will allow the energy to go to the bulb for next year's flowers.

Other Popular Varieties

(Besides the species itself); 'Cynthia' (striped pinkish-red with cream yellow), 'Lady Jane' (white, exterior of the petals flamed dark pink, yellow heart inside), 'Peppermint Stick' (candy cane red and white), 'Tinka' (cream-ivory, exterior petals dark red), 'var. chrysantha' (yellow, exterior petals dark pink) and 'var. chrysanta Tubergen's Gem' (bright yellow, exterior petals red).

About the Family

Botanical Tulips Family

It is generally assumed that about 150 different wild species exist in an area running roughly from Central Asia to Spain and Portugal.

Read More About the Family