bulb corm tuber

Horned Tulip

Tulipa acuminata

The Story

Plant Bio

A species tulip noted for its unique, flame-like flowers with exceptionally long, narrow, and pointed tepals (petals and sepals). The flowers are typically a vibrant mix of red and yellow.

The defining feature is its dramatically attenuated, spidery tepals, giving the flower a fiery, starburst appearance. It is an old cultivar of uncertain origin, possibly a hybrid, that has been grown in gardens for centuries.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright, early spring blooms provide vibrant color and visual interest.

Easy to grow and naturalize in various garden settings.

Supports early pollinators emerging in spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

16 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, reliably returns for many years in ideal conditions

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep into well-draining soil in fall.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around bulbs.
Mist bulbs during dormancy if soil feels dry in winter.
Plant in full sun for best blooms in spring.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth.
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot and enjoy vibrant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during active growth 🌱
Apply fertilizer early spring
Plant in full sun for best flowering

Don't

Avoid waterlogging, which can rot bulbs ❌
Don’t disturb bulbs once established
Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendment

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid spring flower borderColorful garden bed accentNaturalized woodland planting

Companion Plants

Grape hyacinth CrocusSnowdrop Pansy Daffodil

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Horned Tulip questions

What zones can Horned Tulip grow in?

Horned Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Horned Tulip deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Horned Tulip, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Horned Tulip bloom?

Horned Tulip typically blooms in mid to late spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Horned Tulip need full sun?

Horned Tulip does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Horned Tulip drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Horned Tulip handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.