Tulipa kaufmanniana (12)

RHS Plant Profile
water lily tulip

Other common names

waterlily tulip

Bulbs

A dwarf bulbous perennial, up to 20cm tall, with broad glaucous leaves. Flowers vary in colour through creamy-white, yellow and red, with a yellow base, in early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenskin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group
Kaufmanniana Group tulips are small, often with purple-marked foliage, and have single, often bicoloured flowers in early spring
Plant Range
C Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil with protection from excessive wet and shelter from strong winds; see tulip cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by lifting and separating offsets;see bulb propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs

Diseases

May be susceptible to tulip fire and bulb rot in poorly drained soil