Tulipa
Tulips are the stars of the garden in April and May, with their wide range of colors and sizes; they also are some of the most versatile of ornamental plants.
Tulips are great when used in perennial borders, city gardens, and containers. Since most varieties thrive for only a few years, gardeners should treat tulips as short-lived perennials. However, there are a number of varieties that perform exceptionally well year after year. Tulips grow best in full sun (some will adapt to partial shade) and well-drained soil. They will not tolerate overwatering during their dormancy. Plant the bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep.
Tulips vary in size, height, range, and beauty. Gardeners use tulips to provide spectacular color for the entire spring season by selecting varieties for early, mid-, and late spring.
Typical flowering times for the Chicago area:
early flowering (mid-april)
- Single early tulips
- Double early tulips
- Kaufmanniana
- Fosteriana tulips
- Greigii tulips
variable bloom time (mid-april through may)
- Rembrandt tulips
- Species tulips
- Multi-flowering tulips
mid-season flowering (mid-april to early may)
- Triumph tulips
- Darwin hybrid tulips
late-season flowering (throughout may)
- Single late tulips
- Lily-flowering tulips
- Fringed tulips
- Viridiflora tulips
- Parrot tulips
- Double late tulips