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10/30/00
Contacts:
James Romer, Horticulture Extension, (515) 294-2336,
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Elaine Edwards, Extension Communications Systems, (515)
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Yard and Garden column for the Week Beginning Nov. 3
Tulip Survivors in the Spring-Flowering Garden
By James Romer
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University Extension
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to those deserted islands, the survivors congregate again. In the garden, the "survivors" are those tulips that actually are true perennials. Many of the modern tulips tend to be short-lived. Triumph tulips, for example, often bloom for only two or three years. Generally, species tulips and their hybridized strains have the best chance for perennializing. These bulbs have been cultivated but have not been extensively crossbred.
Team #1 Greigii Tulips (Tulipa greigii)
Greigii tulips are reliably perennial and have attractive purple striped or mottled foliage. The ornamental foliage is an added bonus because Greigii tulips look good before and after blooming, which deters homeowners from prematurely cutting back the foliage and essentially putting out Greigii's "torch." Plant height varies from 8 to 12 inches. Greigii tulips are excellent choices for bedding and rock gardens. They also can be forced successfully. Popular cultivars include 'Red Riding Hood,' 'Toronto' and 'Donna Bella.'
Team #2 Fosteriana Tulips (Tulipa fosteriana)
Fosteriana tulips (sometimes referred to as Emperor tulips) are among the best for not only perennializing but also naturalizing and forcing. Fosterianas have broad, green or gray-green foliage and large, long flowers. Plant heights vary from 10 to 20 inches. Some cultivars include 'Orange Emperor,' 'Candela' and 'White Emperor' ('Purissima').
Team # 3 Kaufmanniana Tulips (Tulipa kaufmanniana)
Kaufmanniana tulips are very early to bloom and are long-lived perennial tulips. The flowers open wide on sunny days. The open flowers resemble a star or waterlily. Because they are a compact grower (average plant height from 4 to 8 inches), Kaufmanniana tulips are good choices for border edges and rock gardens. Some selections include 'Stresa,' kaufmanniana and 'Heart's Delight'.
Team # 4 Species Tulips (Tulipa species)
Species tulips include wild species, horticultural varieties and hybrids. Most are early blooming, short-statured plants. Species tulips are available in a wide array of colors. They are excellent plants for rock gardens, the front of borders and heirloom gardens. Examples include Tulipa tarda, Tulipa linifolia and Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier'.
Several cultural practices can help prolong the life of tulip bulbs.
* Make sure to select the largest bulbs possible. To prolong bulb life, size does matter. Except for the species tulips, top-quality bulbs are 12 centimeters or more in circumference. In selecting bulbs, make sure there are no soft spots, blemishes or fungi growing on the bulbs. Planting can occur into December if the ground is not frozen.
* Tulips perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. Tulips should receive at least six to eight hours of sun. Tulip bulbs decline rapidly in shady locations. The bulbs often rot in wet, poorly drained locations.
* To help your tulips last as long as possible, plant the bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep. Planting depth is measured from the top of the bulb to the soil surface, including mulch.
* After planting your tulip bulbs, make sure to water them. Watering enables the bulbs to develop a good root system before winter.
* Be sure to clip the flower head off in the spring after the blossoms have passed their peak. Clipping enables the plant to focus its energy and nutrients into building a strong bulb for next year.
Following these simple guidelines for the most perennial tulips will make more certain that when the tribe speaks your tulips will be the survivors.
ml: isugarden
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