Tulipa iliensis (15)

RHS Plant Profile
cowslip-scented tulip
Bulbs

A compact perennial bulb up to 20cm in height with strap-like grey-green foliage and upright stems producing fragrant lemon-yellow flowers, dark red on the outside tainted with sage green at the base, appearing in March

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
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 West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Miscellaneous tulips include all species and hybrids not otherwise classified
Plant Range
C Asia to NW China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil with shelter from strong winds and protection from excessive wet. 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
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering; allow foliage to die down naturally

Pests

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

Diseases

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