Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier' is a low-growing species tulip from Central Asia that produces bright red, cup-shaped flowers in April on 8-12 inch stems. Native to one of the world's most diverse tulip regions, this bulb stands out for its ability to naturalize and persist in the garden year after year, outperforming many of the hybrid tulips sold commercially. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and requires minimal maintenance once established. The fragrant, showy flowers are excellent for cutting and hold up well after bloom.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
9in H x 9in W
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High
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Bright red flowers emerge in April on compact 8-12 inch stems, sometimes producing multiple blooms per stem. 'Fusilier' establishes itself as a long-term garden resident, returning reliably season after season where many hybrid tulips fail. Deer and rabbits leave it untouched, it tolerates drought once dormant, and it handles shallow, rocky soils with ease, making it one of the most resilient tulips you can plant.
Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier' serves as a spring ornamental bulb for perennial garden beds and borders where its low stature fits naturally among other spring ephemerals. The fragrant flowers are excellent for cutting and bring brilliant red into spring bouquets. In regions with challenging soil conditions or where deer and rabbit pressure is high, this species tulip becomes an especially valuable choice for reliable color without pest damage.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant bulbs outdoors in early to mid fall. Each bulb should be planted 5-6 inches deep, with spacing of 4-10 inches apart depending on desired density and bulb size. In organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils, bulbs will establish quickly and begin blooming the following April.
After blooming in April, remove spent flower stems promptly to prevent seed formation and redirect energy back into the bulb. However, leave all foliage in place until it yellows naturally, as this photosynthetic activity is essential for feeding the bulb and ensuring strong flowering in subsequent years.
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“Tulipa praestans hails from Central Asia, the heartland of tulip diversity where the genus reaches its greatest variety of forms and colors. As a species tulip classified in Division 15, it represents the wild ancestors from which countless garden hybrids have been bred. The 'Fusilier' cultivar's brilliant red flowers are a selected form that has proven itself far more durable and long-lived than the many hybrid tulips gardeners replant each year, making it a plant that rewards patience with decades of spring color.”