bulb corm tuber

Mistress Tulip

Tulipa tarda 'Mistress'

The Story

Plant Bio

A low-growing tulip with a cup-shaped flower that blooms in clusters.

A species tulip that produces clusters of 3-6 star-shaped flowers per stem. The flowers are bright yellow with white-tipped petals and open wide in the sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesTulipa tarda Mistress offers elegant white blooms that brighten early spring gardens, adding a touch of sophistication and cheer.
Practical UsesIts adaptability to different soil types makes it a reliable choice for naturalizing and garden borders.
Ecological BenefitsProvides early nectar for pollinators like bees emerging in spring, supporting local ecosystems.
SpeciesTulipa tardaTarda Tulip

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

6 inches

Width

4 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

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F
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M
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-drained soil in fall.
  2. Plant bulbs 4 inches apart for optimal growth.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  4. Mist bulbs during dormancy if soil dries out in winter.
  5. Mulch with organic material to insulate and retain moisture.
  6. Allow foliage to yellow before removing for best bulb health.

Pro Tip

Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil for vibrant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water moderately during active growth 🌱
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Don't

  • Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
  • Plant too shallow or too deep
  • Neglect to remove spent flowers
  • Use heavy clay soil without amendment

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 borderBright perennial bed accentColorful rock garden focal point

Companion Plants

Grape Hyacinth Pansies CrocusDaffodils

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mistress Tulip questions

What zones can Mistress Tulip grow in?

Mistress 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 Mistress Tulip deer resistant?

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

When does Mistress Tulip bloom?

Mistress 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 Mistress Tulip need full sun?

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

Is Mistress Tulip drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Mistress 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.