Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

130 other cultivars

bulb corm tuber

Formosa Tulip

Tulipa x hybrida 'Formosa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tulipa is a genus of spring-blooming, bulbous herbaceous geophytes native to Eurasia and North Africa. These plants produce upright, unbranched stems with lanceolate, grayish-green foliage and solitary, terminal cup-shaped flowers.

'Formosa' is a Viridiflora Group cultivar distinguished by its late-spring flowers featuring lemon-yellow margins feathered with a broad, lime-green stripe down the center of each petal. The rigid, upright stems reach up to twenty inches tall, holding the blooms aloft above the mid-green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, long-lasting late-spring blooms with a unique green-and-yellow feathered pattern that excels in floral arrangements.

Highly suited for container cultivation and structured seasonal bedding displays.

Provides an early-season pollen source for generalist bees emerging in late spring.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

20"

Width

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate during growth, dry in summer

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial bulb

Native To

Central Asia, Southern Europe, North Africa

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested, Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, exceptionally well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Plant bulbs in the fall at a depth of six to eight inches, spacing them four to six inches apart with the pointed ends facing upward.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, then withhold water during the winter dormancy period to prevent bulb rot.
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the first green shoots emerge from the soil.

Pro Tip

Never cut back the green foliage prematurely after flowering; leaving the leaves intact for at least six weeks allows the plant to photosynthesize and recharge the bulb for the following season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flowers immediately after blooming to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production.
Allow the foliage to yellow and wither completely naturally before removing it.
Ensure the soil remains dry during the summer dormancy period.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where water pools.
Do not cut or tie the green leaves together after flowering.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excessive foliage at the expense of flower quality.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Spring BordersCut Flower GardensMass PlantingsCottage Gardens

Companion Plants

Myosotis sylvatica Narcissus Viola tricolor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Formosa Tulip questions

What zones can Formosa Tulip grow in?

Formosa Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Warmer than Zone 8, winter isn't the problem: it prefers colder winters, and summer heat can shorten its life.

Is Formosa Tulip deer resistant?

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

When does Formosa Tulip bloom?

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

Does Formosa Tulip need full sun?

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

Is Formosa Tulip drought tolerant?

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