bulb corm tuber

Eye Tulip

Tulipa agenensis

The Story

Plant Bio

Tulipa agenensis, the eye tulip, is a deciduous bulbous geophyte native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. It produces glaucous to mid-green, smooth-margined lanceolate leaves and a solitary terminal flower on an upright, single-stemmed habit.

The solitary flowers feature vivid deep red petals, each marked with a prominent dark blue-black basal blotch surrounded by a distinct yellow border. These striking blooms open completely flat when exposed to direct, warm sunlight.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, vivid red flowers with a dark, yellow-bordered eye that open flat in full sun.

Highly drought-tolerant during its summer dormancy phase.

Provides a food source for generalist spring pollinators like bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

12"

Width

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region and Western Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained, sandy or stony soil.
Plant the dormant bulbs in fall at a depth of three times the bulb's height.
Water sparingly during active spring growth, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
Allow the foliage to yellow and die back completely after flowering to recharge the bulb for the next season.

Pro Tip

To prevent fatal bacterial and Fusarium bulb rots in regions with wet summers, lift the bulbs after the foliage yellows and store them in a dry, warm location until replanting in fall.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the foliage to wither naturally before removing it.
Provide sharp drainage to protect bulbs from rot.
Feed sparingly with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer as shoots emerge in spring.

Don't

Do not cut green leaves prematurely after flowering.
Do not allow the soil to remain wet or waterlogged during summer dormancy.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensMediterranean GardensSpecialized Bulb CollectionsSunny Borders

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Eye Tulip questions

What zones can Eye Tulip grow in?

Eye Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Eye Tulip deer resistant?

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

When does Eye Tulip bloom?

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

Does Eye Tulip need full sun?

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

Is Eye Tulip drought tolerant?

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