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Tulipa saxatilis - Botanical Tulip

Tulipa saxatilis
Candia Tulip, Cretan Tulip

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a little marvel of simplicity, and a long and generous flowering.

Laurence, 16/04/2023

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This dwarf tulip is undoubtedly one of the most original in its category, thanks to its colours. Its beautiful sun yellow heart is surrounded by a pretty pale pink. Small, lively, but also robust and resistant, it blossoms under the spring sun. It brightens up the front of flowerbeds in the company of small spring bulbs and illuminates balconies.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
20 cm
Spread at maturity
10 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -18°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time September to December
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Flowering time April
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Description

The Tulipa saxatilis, also known as Tulipa bakeri, is a beautiful and decorative species. It is of small size and easily fits in the front of flower beds, opening its corolla widely under the spring sun. It reveals a large, bright yellow heart, drawn on its pale pink petals. The contrast is striking and particularly delightful in April. It can be found in the foreground of flower beds, as well as in pots, and it thrives in most climates, faithfully returning each year.

Belonging to the botanical family Liliaceae, Tulipa saxatilis has attractive characteristics: it is 15-20 cm (6-8in) tall and can be placed along pathways or in rock gardens alongside other early bulbs. It also thrives in balcony planters to brighten up windowsills, and in containers on terraces for spring compositions. Additionally, it does not disappear after a few years of cultivation. More perennial than horticultural tulips, it prolongs the charm of spring. Originating from Central Asia, botanical tulips are hardy, robust, and can withstand the cold. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a less rich substrate.

Tulipa saxatilis has beautiful green, lanceolate leaves, 10 cm (4in) long and ribbon-shaped, forming a dense carpet before the flowers. Starting in April, beautiful corollas unfold in a range of vivid and tender shades. Perched on a sturdy stem, the 3 cm (1in) diameter cup is formed by petals ending in a point. These petals have an original feature: their base is painted with a very bright yellow. It appears as a large heart, surrounded by a fine white shadow and encircled by a pale pink hue. Their blooming under the sun is a daily pleasure.

Paired with other small bulbs in cheerful colours, Tulipa saxatilis enchants the edges of flower beds at the end of winter. Easy, sturdy, and low-maintenance, it reappears vigorously each year and allows for staggered flowering with Crocuses, Muscaris, and Narcissus in lively and charming compositions. It weaves its way around budding shrubs and illuminates pots near entrances.

Tulipa saxatilis - Botanical Tulip in pictures

Tulipa saxatilis - Botanical Tulip (Flowering) Flowering
Tulipa saxatilis - Botanical Tulip (Foliage) Foliage
Tulipa saxatilis - Botanical Tulip (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 10 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour two-tone
Flowering time April
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 3 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Tulipa

Species

saxatilis

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Candia Tulip, Cretan Tulip

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

The bulbs of Tulipa saxatilis should be planted in autumn, from September to December, spacing them 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) apart, at a depth of 8-10 cm (3-4in) (Bulbs should be covered with twice their height of soil). You can plant them directly in the ground or in a container. They will also appreciate a rock garden in a non-burning exposure. They naturalise easily.

The planting should be done in ordinary soil, slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline, loose, well-worked, and well-draining. Never add uncomposted manure or compost to the planting soil, as it could cause the bulbs to rot. Also, avoid bulbs touching each other. Tulipa bakeri will thrive in moist to dry soil with a sunny or even partially shaded exposure.

After flowering, their faded foliage becomes unsightly, so we recommend planting Heucheras, Tiarellas, or Brunneras in the foreground of your flower beds. Their foliage will enhance the colours of your tulips, and throughout the season, they will elegantly conceal the yellowing leaves. To prevent the bulb from exhausting itself, it is best to cut the stems of faded flowers.

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time September to December
Planting depth 8 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 150 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-drained, not too dry to moist

Care

Pruning instructions The leaves can only be removed when they are completely withered. On the other hand, it is advisable to cut the stems of the flowers that have withered before they produce fruits.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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