Tulipa orphanidea (Botanical Tulip)

Small and delicate, Tulipa orphanidea is a charming bulbous perennial boasting 2-7 green leaves, often with a tinge of red along their edges, and a stem bearing 1-4 globular to star-shaped flowers, that resemble crowns. The oval, copper-red petals are tinged green outside and often purple. A cluster of bulbs makes a delightful show in the spring garden.

Small and delicate, Tulipa orphanidea is a charming bulbous perennial boasting 2-7 green leaves, often with a tinge of red along their edges, and a stem bearing 1-4 globular to star-shaped flowers, that resemble crowns. The oval, copper-red petals are tinged green outside and often purple. A cluster of bulbs makes a delightful show in the spring garden. Flowering in mid-late spring, this tulip is a member of the Botanical Tulips and is quite versatile in the garden.

  • Growing up to 4-12 in. tall (10-30 cm), this tulip naturalizes easily and will come back year after year.
  • Performs best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. Protect from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds.
  • Easy to grow, this tulip is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, rock gardens, or containers. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 15 bulbs).
  • Keep an eye out for slugs, aphids, stem and bulb eelworm, tulip fire, and bulb rot.
  • Remove spent flowerheads to avoid the plants putting energy into producing seeds, and allow the foliage to wither before pulling it off.
  • Propagate by lifting and separating offsets
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort following ingestion and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Tulipa orphanidea is found in the southeast Balkans, Bulgaria, Greece, Aegean Islands, Crete, and western Turkey.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Tulipa – Tulips
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 4"
– 1'
(10cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage