Late tulip (species tulip) Tulipa tarda
Late tulip (species tulip) (Tulipa tarda) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Liliaceae family, native to Mountains of Central Asia (Tian Shan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 10–15 cm (4–6 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Late tulip (species tulip) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of Central Asia (Tian Shan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Late tulip (species tulip) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs
Tulip bulbs contain tulipalin allergens: they cause vomiting and drooling in pets and skin rashes (“tulip fingers”) in people who handle many.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Late tulip (species tulip)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Late tulip (species tulip)
- How far apart should I plant Late tulip (species tulip)?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
- Does Late tulip (species tulip) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Late tulip (species tulip) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Late tulip (species tulip)?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Late tulip (species tulip) flower?
- From about April for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Late tulip (species tulip) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tulip bulbs contain tulipalin allergens: they cause vomiting and drooling in pets and skin rashes (“tulip fingers”) in people who handle many.
- What grows well with Late tulip (species tulip)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Late tulip (species tulip). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Rosettes of narrow leaves with clusters of up to six starry flowers, yellow with white tips, that open flat in sun in mid-spring. Unlike big garden tulips it comes back and spreads every year on a sunny, well-drained rock garden.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily Lilium
- Tulip Tulipa gesneriana
- Crown imperial Fritillaria imperialis
- Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta
- Snake’s head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris
- Madonna lily Lilium candidum
- Regal lily Lilium regale
- Easter lily Lilium longiflorum