im_tulipa

This gallery depicts a selection of dwarf Tulipa species and cultivars. It is a rather
rewarding group of plants that deserves more attention than it typically gets, with a
number of selections suitable for the front of the border or the rock garden. I am
finding that the species tulips, are long lived, increasing, and flower reliably each
year, as opposed to the well known reputation of fancy bedding Tulips that are
short-lived and dwindle in vigor in a few years and must be replanted. I hope that
this gallery, showing a small sampling of good Tulipa species, encourages other
rock gardeners to try growing one or more dwarf Tulipa species.

Click on these thumbnail images to see larger, more complete images.
Each link leads to a mini-gallery of 2 or more larger photos.

	Tulipa tarda - perhaps avoided as overly common, but that shouldn't be so, as this is a first rate dwarf tulip that will naturalize into a fine patch of neat greenery, studded with cheery yellow and white flowers.
	Tulipa 'Little Princess' - A cross between two dwarf species tulips, this one is one is perhaps my favorite of all dwarf tulips... an indescribable blend of colors, and those oversized black anthers add so much pizzazz.
	Tulipa polychroma - It's a toss-up between the previous hybrid, and this sublime species, for my absolute favorite tulip. This early flowering tulip is very dwarf, refined, and an exquisite white-tinged-olive tone, with subtle hints of rose on the outer petals. The fragrance is heavenly.
	Tulipa batalinii - It is said the pure species is barely known in cultivation, but it is indeed a valid species in the Clusianae section. Hybrids with the allied T. linifolia have evidently given rise to a number of hybrids, such as 'Bronze Charm'
	Tulipa batalinii 'Bronze Charm' - reportedly a hybrid with T. linifolia, this lovely cultivar is one of many named selections (hybrids) of T. balatiniii. All are delightful miniature species to brighten up the rock garden.
	Tulipa bakeri 'Lilac Wonder' - This tulip is perhaps the best known of the smaller tulips, and certainly useful to decorate spring plantings. When buying Holland bulbs from the bins at local nursery centers, this tulip is often mixed in with other tulip species.
	Tulipa humilis - The name 'humilis' covers a number of species, depending on one's vantage point. It has similar coloration to T. bakeri, but is much earlier flowering, with smaller, more refined in growth. A large number of cultivar of this species are available.
	Tulipa stellata ssp. chrysantha - Typically sold simply as chrysantha, and sometimes placed as a variety of T. clusiana, latest taxonomic opinion places it as a subspecies of T. stellata. It's a brilliant dwarf species for the rock garden or edge of border.
	Tulipa linifolia (blazing red) and Tulipa stellata ssp. chrysantha (yellow and red) - Since I planted these two species side by side, and they flower at the same time, I have included a couple views of this hot color coupling.
	Tulipa linifolia - This is a fabulous little species with blazing red flowers that open flat, revealing a small, jet- black center. Only 4" tall (10 cm) in bloom. The petals has a satiny sheen that reflects the sun.

A few links to Tulipa sources

Paige Woodward's Pacific Rim Nursery has many bulb photos, including
a selection of Tulipa bulbs, all of which can be ordered on-line.

Odyssey Bulbs is a good source for a large number of bulbous plants.

Van Tubergen Bulb company: a small selection of Tulipa available.

Fraser's Thimble Farms, BC Canada - a fairly good selection of Tulipa.
(go to Bulbs, then select "species Tulips")