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. 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.