Tulipa tarda (Botanical Tulip)

Multiple award-winning Tulip ‘Tarda’, first cultivated commercially in 1590, is by far the most important real botanical species and looks just as Mother Nature introduced her. A top all-around performer, this diminutive species tulip displays bunches of elegant six star-shaped little flowers with chrome-yellow petals edged in bright white that are clustered tightly together. After flowering, they develop very attractive seed pods.

• Quite short, Tulip ‘Tarda’ still makes a striking impact with its lovely color combination, specifically when the completely opened flower forms a star during the sunny hours. Flowering in early spring, this tulip is a member of the Botanical Tulips.
• Growing up to 6 inches tall (15 cm), this tulip naturalizes easily and will come back year after year!
• Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, ‘Tarda’ was even pronounced ‘Flower Bulb of the Year’ in Holland for the year 1997, awards that definitely say something about its rising popularity.
• Performs best in full sun to light shade, in rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
• Easy to grow, this tulip is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, edging, rock gardens, or naturalized (grassy) areas. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 15 bulbs).
• To be planted in fall.
• 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.

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.