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Tulipa cretica (15)

Cretan tulip

T. cretica is a small bulbous perennial, to 25cm tall, with strap-like green leaves. Star-shaped white flowers, often tinged with pink as they age, with bright yellow throats open in spring

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Yellow Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Liliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring

Name status

Correct

Horticultural Group
Miscellaneous tulips include all species and hybrids not otherwise classified
Plant range
Crete

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 10-15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, protect 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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds
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

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