Garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana)

Bulbous perennial

Garden tulip

Tulipa gesneriana

Garden tulip is a classic spring bulb for Dutch beds and containers. Dimensions describe a flowering clump of a typical landscape cultivar.

Planning parameters

Use these values as a practical planning envelope: they describe the adult plant, not the young seedling.

Adult height: 0.25-0.65 m
Crown diameter: 0.35 m
Root zone: 0.3 m
Root type: Compact bulb and fibrous roots; avoid disturbing the clump during active growth.
Recommended setback: Allow about 0.35 m for a mature clump; Article 5:42 tree and hedge distances do not apply to ordinary bulbs.
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8
Crown density: Medium

Site requirements

These conditions decide whether the plant will establish well after planting.

Light: sun or partial shade
Watering: medium
Soil type: fertile, well-drained soil
Drainage: Excellent winter drainage is essential; prolonged waterlogging rots bulbs.
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline, depending on cultivar and soil structure.

Root system and placement

Plan a compact bulb/root zone about 0.3 m across.

Garden role and season

These fields help choose the plant by composition, privacy, flowering and year-round value.

Form: Bulbous perennial
Foliage: Deciduous strap-like leaves
Season: Spring
Bloom: Spring; cultivar-dependent colour and flower form
Fruit: Usually removed or insignificant in garden cultivars
Garden use: Mass in sunny beds, borders and containers; combine early and late cultivars for a longer spring display.

Care and risks

This is the practical part for future maintenance and safe placement on the plot.

Maintenance: Plant bulbs in autumn; deadhead after flowering and let foliage die back naturally.
Pruning: Remove spent foliage only after it has yellowed completely.
Risks: Bulbs and other parts are toxic if eaten and may irritate skin; avoid persistently wet soil and protect bulbs from rodents.