Species tulip varieties

Species tulips are the wild tulips and the selections in which the wild species is still evident, as the tulip classification defines them. The table below compares every species and selection we list side by side.

Varieties
8
Height
4–12 in (10–30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–8
Form

8 Species

Compare all 8 side by side

All 8 species tulip varieties

A Lady Jane tulip flower up close on the plant Lady Jane Species tulip with rosy-red outer petals and ivory-white inside, 6 to 12 inches tall. Mid spring6–12 in (15–30 cm)
A Lilac Wonder tulip flower up close on the plant Lilac Wonder Species tulip with rose-lilac flowers and yellow bases on 7-inch stems in May. Late spring7 in (18 cm)
A Little Beauty tulip flower up close on the plant Little Beauty Cherry-red miniature species tulip with a white-edged blue center, 4 inches tall. Late spring4 in (10 cm)
A Persian Pearl tulip flower up close on the plant Persian Pearl Magenta-rose species tulip with a yellow star center, 4 to 6 inches tall, blooming in April. Mid spring4–6 in (10–15 cm)
A Tulipa linifolia tulip flower up close on the plant Tulipa linifolia Scarlet-red species tulip with purplish-black bases, 4 to 6 inches tall, blooming in May. Late spring4–6 in (10–15 cm)
A Tulipa sylvestris tulip flower up close on the plant Tulipa sylvestris Fragrant yellow species tulip with green outer petals, 8 to 12 inches tall, blooming in April. Mid spring8–12 in (20–30 cm)
A Tulipa tarda tulip flower up close on the plant Tulipa tarda Multi-flowering species tulip with star-shaped yellow flowers tipped white, 4 to 6 inches tall. Mid spring4–6 in (10–15 cm)
A Tulipa turkestanica tulip flower up close on the plant Tulipa turkestanica Multi-flowering species tulip with ivory stars and orange-yellow bases, 8 inches tall. Early spring, Mid spring8 in (20 cm)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column. Species tulips can be much shorter than garden tulips, so check it before you place them behind other plants.

  2. Check the bloom time in the table. The species we list do not all flower together, so the column tells you which open first.

  3. Plant them shallower than garden tulips; see the depth question below.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Lady Jane Species 6–12 in (15–30 cm) 4–8 Mid spring Full sun
Lilac Wonder Species 7 in (18 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun
Little Beauty Species 4 in (10 cm) 4–8 Late spring Full sun
Persian Pearl Species 4–6 in (10–15 cm) 4–8 Mid spring Full sun
Tulipa linifolia Species 4–6 in (10–15 cm) 4–8 Late spring Full sun
Tulipa sylvestris Species 8–12 in (20–30 cm) 5–8 Mid spring Full sun, Part shade
Tulipa tarda Species 4–6 in (10–15 cm) 4–8 Mid spring Full sun
Tulipa turkestanica Species 8 in (20 cm) 4–8 Early spring, Mid spring Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Do species tulips come back every year?

John Scheepers notes that species tulips naturally perennialize when conditions suit them.

How deep should species tulips be planted?

About 5 to 6 cm, roughly 2 inches, according to John Scheepers. That is shallower than the 6 to 8 inches advised for most garden tulips.

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