Lady Tulip is a species tulip native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and the Middle East, where it has thrived for centuries in cool, arid climates. This delicate charmer grows 9-12 inches tall and produces exquisite bowl-shaped flowers up to 4 inches wide, with white or cream petals edged in red on the outside and pure white interiors marked by a small purple-red blotch at the base. In April, the blooms open in sunlight to reveal a perfect star shape, making them exceptional both in the garden and as cut flowers. Hardy in zones 3-7, Lady Tulips are noted for their longevity as perennials, returning reliably year after year with proper drainage and cool winters.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-7
12in H x 9in W
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Low
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Each bulb produces 2-5 narrow, linear gray-green leaves that add fine textural contrast even before bloom time arrives. The flowers themselves are stunning: cream-white with distinctive red-edged outer petals that create a striking two-tone effect, especially luminous when backlit by spring sun. Lady Tulips perform exceptionally well in southern gardens despite their alpine origins, combining the refined elegance of species tulips with the reliability of a true perennial that multiplies over time.
Lady Tulips are grown both as spring-blooming perennials in permanent beds and borders, and as elegant annuals for seasonal color. Their excellent cut-flower qualities make them a favorite for spring bouquets, where their refined striped blooms and long stems bring a delicate, sophisticated presence to floral arrangements. The variety naturalizes beautifully in lawns, meadows, and rock gardens, gradually establishing colonies where conditions suit them.
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Plant bulbs outdoors in fall, 6-8 inches deep in standard soils or 4-6 inches deep in heavy clay. Space bulbs 4-5 inches apart in organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade.
Cut flowers when buds are tight but showing color, before the blooms fully open. Cut in early morning or late evening for maximum vase life. Leave the foliage on the plant for at least 6 weeks after flowering ends to allow the bulb to recharge for next season.
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“Tulipa clusiana hails from a vast range stretching across Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and the western Himalayas, where it evolved in cool, moist mountain winters followed by warm, dry summers. This distribution across such diverse terrain speaks to its remarkable adaptability and resilience, qualities that have made it prized by gardeners for generations. The species tulip designation (Division 15) reflects its status as an unmodified wild type, passed down through centuries of cultivation without the intensive hybridization that created modern garden tulips.”