bulb corm tuber

Lady Tulip

Tulipa clusiana

The Story

Plant Bio

Tulipa clusiana, commonly known as the lady tulip, is an upright, clump-forming perennial bulb native to the arid mountain regions of Asia. The species produces narrow, glaucous, grayish-green leaves and slender stems bearing solitary, star-shaped flowers that open flat in bright sunshine and close tightly at night.

This species is distinguished by its striking color pattern, featuring outer tepals of white or cream heavily striped in deep pink-red, contrasting with a solid white or yellow interior marked by a dark purple basal blotch. Unlike many highly bred hybrid tulips, it reliably naturalizes in regions with hot, dry summers that mimic its native habitat.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, star-shaped flowers with contrasting pink-red and white tepals that open in full sun.

Highly drought-tolerant during its summer dormancy, requiring no irrigation once established.

Provides early spring pollen for generalist pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

12"

Width

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and the Western Himalayas

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets (cats, dogs, horses), causes contact dermatitis

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, chalky, or loamy soil that offers exceptional drainage.
Plant the dormant bulbs in the fall, placing them in wire mesh cages if deer, voles, or squirrels are present in the garden.
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium bulb fertilizer or bone meal lightly in early spring when shoots first emerge.
Allow the foliage to yellow and wither completely after flowering before removing it, ensuring the bulb recharges for the following year.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in rich, damp summer soils; these bulbs require a baking dry summer rest period to prevent fatal basal rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil remains completely dry during the summer dormancy period.
Allow foliage to die back naturally to photosynthesize and recharge the bulb.
Plant in sharp-draining soil or raised rockeries to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not cut the green foliage off immediately after flowering.
Do not plant in rich, damp soils or irrigate heavily during summer dormancy.
Do not over-feed with high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensBordersCottage GardensMediterranean GardensContainers

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lady Tulip questions

What zones can Lady Tulip grow in?

Lady 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 Lady Tulip deer resistant?

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

When does Lady Tulip bloom?

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

Does Lady Tulip need full sun?

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

Is Lady Tulip drought tolerant?

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