Tulipa tulipa 'Cummins'
bulb corm tuber

Cummins Tulip

Tulipa tulipa 'Cummins'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tulips are bulbous perennials grown for their vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in spring. They are native to mountainous regions of Central Asia and are a staple of spring gardens worldwide, available in a vast array of colors, forms, and sizes.

A distinctive Fringed Group tulip, 'Cummins' features large, cup-shaped, deep lavender-purple flowers with a unique, finely incised, crystalline white fringe on the petal edges. It blooms on sturdy stems in mid to late spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid tulips add striking color to spring gardens and floral arrangements.
Practical UsesEasy to grow bulbs ideal for naturalizing in lawns and borders.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees during early spring.
SpeciesTulipa tulipaTulip

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

20 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial, often grown as an annual

Native To

Garden Origin

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  3. Mist bulbs lightly during dormancy in winter.
  4. Plant in full sun for best blooms.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  6. Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb strength.

Pro Tip

Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil to prevent bulb rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water during dry spells in spring 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth
  • Apply fertilizer in early spring for vibrant blooms

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause bulb rot ❌
  • Do not plant in shaded areas as it reduces flowering
  • Don't disturb bulbs once established

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid spring flower borderColorful rock garden accentPotted display for patios

Companion Plants

Grape hyacinth Daffodils CrocusHyacinths Snowdrops

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cummins Tulip questions

What zones can Cummins Tulip grow in?

Cummins 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 Cummins Tulip deer resistant?

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

When does Cummins Tulip bloom?

Cummins 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 Cummins Tulip need full sun?

Cummins Tulip does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

More Tulipa to compare

All Spring Mix Tulip

All Spring Mix Tulip

Tulipa tulip 'All Spring Mix'

Zones 4–8· 236 saves
Parrot Tulip Mix

Parrot Tulip Mix

Tulipa gesneriana 'Parrot Tulip Mix'

Zones 4–7· 230 saves
Marilyn Tulip

Marilyn Tulip

Tulipa tulipa 'Marilyn'

Zones 4–8· 218 saves
Artist Tulip

Artist Tulip

Tulipa tulipa 'Artist'

Zones 4–8· 216 saves
Tulip Fun Colors Mix

Tulip Fun Colors Mix

Tulipa gesneriana 'Fun Colors Mix'

Zones 4–7· 214 saves
Blumex Parrot Tulip

Blumex Parrot Tulip

Tulipa tulip 'Blumex Parrot'

Zones 4–8· 210 saves

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Grow Cummins Tulip with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

Join Sow for Free