Tulipa tarda (Botanical Tulip)

A top all-around performer, this diminutive species tulip displays bunches of elegant six star-shaped little flowers with chrome-yellow petals edged in bright white that are clustered tightly together

Multiple award-winning Tulip ‘Tarda’, first cultivated commercially in 1590, is by far the most important real botanical species and looks just as Mother Nature introduced her. A top all-around performer, this diminutive species tulip displays bunches of elegant six star-shaped little flowers with chrome-yellow petals edged in bright white that are clustered tightly together. After flowering, they develop very attractive seed pods.

  • Quite short, Tulip 'Tarda' still makes a striking impact with its lovely color combination, specifically when the completely opened flower forms a star during the sunny hours. Flowering in early spring, this tulip is a member of the Botanical Tulips.
  • Growing up to 6 inches tall (15 cm), this tulip naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
  • Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, 'Tarda' was even pronounced 'Flower Bulb of the Year' in Holland for the year 1997, awards that definitely say something about its rising popularity.
  • Performs best in full sun to light shade, in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
  • Easy to grow, this tulip is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, edging, rock gardens, or naturalized (grassy) areas. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 15 bulbs).
  • To be planted in fall.
  • 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 10

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Tulipa – Tulips
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 6"
(15cm)
Spread 3"
(7cm)
Spacing 3″ (7cm)
Depth 4"
(10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage