Award-winning Tulipa aucheriana (Aucher's Tulip) is a charming bulbous perennial boasting star-shaped, mauve-pink flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), adorned with pointed petals. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms open out flat in the sun, revealing their yellow heart. They are held on short stems above the foliage of long, narrow, mid-green leaves. A cluster of bulbs makes a delightful show in the spring garden. Tulipa aucheriana is suitable for a rock garden, raised bed, or alpine house. A member of the Botanical Tulips, this tulip is quite versatile in the garden.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Growing up to 4-10 in. tall (10-25 cm), this tulip naturalizes easily and will come back year after year.
• Performs best in full sun in a warm, sunny position with sharp drainage and protection from excessive wet, summer, or winter.
• Easy to grow, this tulip is a welcomed addition to rock gardens or patio containers. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 15 bulbs).
• To be planted in fall.
• Propagate by lifting and separating offsets.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, tulip fire, and bulb rot.
• All parts may cause severe discomfort following ingestion and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native from Iran and Syria where it is found on rocky mountainsides.

A symbol of spring, tulips are the most popular spring bulbs and most gardeners reserve them a spot in the garden or in containers. Grown for their attractive, vibrantly colored flowers, there are currently over 3,000 registered varieties, which are divided into fifteen groups, mostly based on the flower type, size, and blooming period of the tulip.

Botanical Tulips: it is generally assumed that about 150 different wild species exist in an area running roughly from Central Asia to Spain and Portugal. These are real early birds: they bloom before any other tulips. They catch the eye not only because of their extra early flowering but also because of their inflorescence and cheery range of colors. In addition, the graceful way the flowers open and their pretty foliage make them attractive before, during, and after flowering. In other words, Botanical tulips are simply bursting with nice characteristics.