Botanical Tulips

Overview

Tulipa sylvestris, Wild tulip

The Wild tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), sole German botanical tulip species. Photographed within the own garden in April 2010.

Further words about cultivated tulips are unnecessary because a vast number of sorts are to be found in almost each garden today. Unfortunately many cultivated tulip sorts tend to stunted growth in the medium term. But cultivated tulips are only arisen from the wild tulips (also called botanical tulips) by cultivation and selection within the last 400 years. In Germany, you can find also one species, namely the Wild Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris). Depending on the source exist 70 to 150 botanical tulip species, whose Mayn range are the steppes of Central Asia. Most botanical tulip species are frost-hardy and tend in the long term, in contrast to cultivated tulips, to reproduction in the case of congenial conditions.

Conditions

To the greatest extent wild tulips are concering their habitat preferences relative uncomplicated. Ideal is moisture in spring and warm and dry summers. During this time the new produced tulip bulbs are maturing. Waterlogging and voles niggle wild tulips. Best planting time is between the end of September until early December on frost-free days. Give the tulip bulps at least twice to three times as deep into earth as the bulb is high. It is advantageous if you give at first some sand into the planting hole and hereupon put the bulb. Wild tulips blossom for years and set regularly seeds, which can be left on the plant until they are matured. By sowing, stolons and side bulbs many species produce larger stocks in the long term. However, until a by sowing propagated tulip blossoms for the the first time, it may last five years.

Experiences

In 2009

In late autumn 2009 I planted of 12 species all in all circa 400 bulbs within my lawn.

In 2010

The bulbs survived excellently their first severe winter. In the following spring the bulbs spouted almost to hundred per cent. Most plants blossomed as well as produced seeds. Arising thereby, I had my first difficulty. I planted the bulbs in a still relative nutrient-rich meadow, so that at the moment of seed maturation in the end of May bis early June the bolls are almost complete vanished within the half of a metre high grass.

Summer 2010 was very rainy and was so almost out of keeping with the ideal conditions of a hot and dry summer, which the bulbs require for maturing. Thus I am curious, which survival rate arises the next year.

In 2011

Against expectations the moist and cool summer 2010 did not damage the bulbs. In the end of February almost all species stspeciesed with budding. According to a first count many species proliferated in 2010: The populations are circa 15 - 20% greater.

In 2012

Number of individuals has again evolved delightfully, so that I have planted further species.

In 2013

In the case of most species it came again to a population increase. Tulipa greigii and Tulipa praestans reproduce well, but are lazy about blossoming. Unfortunately Tulipa altaica and Tulipa whittallii fell prey to voles.

Species

Currently, I am cultivating the following species in my garden. All photos were taken in spring 2011.

<i>Tulipa acuminata</i>Tulipa acuminata

Extremely conspicuous species. Palaeo tulip of a hybridogen origin (circa in the 16. century from gardens escaped). From Turkey. IV - V

<i>Tulipa altaica</i>Tulipa altaica

Small species with yellow blossoms. Slight curly, greyish-green leaves. IV

<i>Tulipa armena</i>Tulipa armena

Gracile species with in relation to the foliage very great, red blossoms. Late blooming time. IV

<i>Tulipa bakeri 'Lilac Wonder'</i>Tulipa bakeri 'Lilac Wonder'

Very close relative of Tulipa saxatilis, which are to be found together in Crete. IV

<i>Tulipa batalinii</i>Tulipa batalinii

Anthocyanin-free variety of Tulipa linifolia. Home countries are North Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. IV - V

<i>Tulipa biflora</i>Tulipa biflora

Small species with white-yellow blossoms. Native in Southeast Russia, East Turkey, Caucasus, Iran and North Iraq. IV

<i>Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha</i>Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha

Original home is Northwest Himalaya, Kashmir, North Afghanistan and East Iran. Naturalised in South Europe. IV - V

<i>Tulipa greigii</i>Tulipa greigii

Small species with a short blossom peduncle with intensive red blossoms. Spotted leaves. Excellent propagation by side bulbs. IV

<i>Tulipa hageri</i>Tulipa hageri

Wild tulip from Greece and Turkey. My specimens have too long pedicels for a pure species. IV - V

<i>Tulipa humilis 'Violacea Black Base'</i>Tulipa humilis 'Violacea Black Base'

Small tulip, which reproduces well. Very early blooming time. II - III

<i>Tulipa kaufmanniana</i>Tulipa kaufmanniana

Relative robust species with good propagation. Foliage slight grained, blossoms great, in different colour shades. III - IV

<i>Tulipa linifolia</i>Tulipa linifolia

Small species with relative open, red blossoms. For a planting out in the lawn rather less suitable. IV

<i>Tulipa marjolettii</i>Tulipa marjolettii

Neo tulip (first in 19. century escaped) from Southeast France. Is extinct in nature. IV - V

<i>Tulipa neustruevae</i>Tulipa neustruevae

Small, low species with yellow blossoms from Central Asia. IV

<i>Tulipa polychroma</i>Tulipa polychroma

Very early species with rather open, white blossoms. Native in East Caucasus, North Iran and North Afghanistan. Prefers dry soils. III

<i>Tulipa praestans</i>Tulipa praestans

Very early species with rather closed, red blossoms. Unstained, light green foliage. Propagation by side bulbs. III - IV

<i>Tulipa pulchella</i>Tulipa pulchella

A very beautiful species, which has relative short-stalked, light purple, rather closed blossoms. Very narrow leaves. III

<i>Tulipa saxatilis</i>Tulipa saxatilis

A species from Crete with blue blossoms. Low. Good propagation by stolons. Late blooming time. IV

<i>Tulipa sylvestris</i>Tulipa sylvestris

The only mid-European wild tulip species. Prefers warm habitats, willingly in clear brush. Produces very beautiful, bright yellow blossoms. Propagation by stolons. IV

<i>Tulipa tarda</i>Tulipa tarda

Low-growing tulip species with yellow blossoms with a brighter margin. IV

<i>Tulipa turkestanica</i>Tulipa turkestanica

One of the few species with multiple blossoms per blossom peduncle. Small, star-shaped blossoms. Good propagation by side bulbs. III - IV

<i>Tulipa urumiensis</i>Tulipa urumiensis

Similar to Tulipa tarda, but more gracile. Blossoms more intensive coloured. IV

<i>Tulipa whittallii</i>Tulipa whittallii

A species from Western Turkey. Orange, striped blossoms. Late blooming time. IV

Wild Crocuses

Currently, I am cultivating the following species in my garden.

<i>Crocus ancyrensis</i>Crocus ancyrensis

This species comes from North and Central Turkey, where it mostly populates rocky mountain steppes in altitudes from 1000 to 1600 metres. II - III

<i>Crocus angustifolius</i>Crocus angustifolius

A species from the Crimea and from South Ukraine. It grows on open slopes, less frequent in Juniperus-bushes in altitude from 300 to 1500. II - III

<i>Crocus sieberi ssp. atticus</i>Crocus sieberi ssp. atticus

The blossoms are bluish violet, the gorge yellow. This subspecies is found in Southeast Greece in altitudes from 400 to 1350 metres. II - III

<i>Crocus sieberi ssp. tricolor</i>Crocus sieberi ssp. tricolor

Also bluish violet blossoms with a yellow gorge. Between them is a white Zone located. This subspecies is to be found in Greece and South Albania. II - III

<i>Crocus speciosus ssp. speciosus</i>Crocus speciosus ssp. speciosus

The in autumn flowering Bieberstein's crocus is native from North and Central Turkey to North and West Iran to East Caucasus. There it grows in forests and mountain pastures in altitudes from 800 to 2850 metres. IX - XI

<i>Crocus tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple'</i>Crocus tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple'

The well-known Woodland Crocus is found in South Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Bulgaria. There grows the lime-loving species in fresh deciduous forests in altitudes from 1000 to 1500 metres. II - III


Anemones

Currently, I am cultivating the following species in my garden.

Grecian Windflower (<i>Anemone blanda</i>)Grecian Windflower (Anemone blanda)

The Grecian Windflower (Anemone blanda) is a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Natural home of this species are the Balkans, Cyprus, the Turkey as well as the Caucasus. It grows there in altitudes up to 1700 m. The blossoms are mostly blue, less often also pink or white. The blooming time is between the end of March and the mid of April. The species is well suited for a planting out in half-shade.

Liverwort (<i>Anemona hepatica</i>)Liverwort (Anemona hepatica)

The Common Hepatica (Anemona hepatica, former: Hepatica nobilis), also Liverwort called, is a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Disjoint distribution in the northern hemisphere with existence in Europe, North America and East Asia. It prefers calcareouse loamy soils in oak or beech forests. The species has blue blossoms, which appear between the end of March and the middle of April. The species is suited for a planting out in half-shade.

European Wood Anemone (<i>Anemone nemorosa</i>)European Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)

The widespread European Wood Anemone, a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is to be found very often in humus-rich forests and bushes. From the repent rhizome arises one leaf-whorl with a single, pure white flower. The blooming time reaches fom March to April. The plant is because of its ingredients Anemonin and Protoanemonin mildly poisonous.

Yellow Wood Anemone (<i>Anemone ranunculoides</i>)Yellow Wood A. (Anemone ranunculoides)

The Yellow Wood Anemone, a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is less frequent as the European Wood Anemone in humus-rich, moist forests to be found. From the repent rhizome arises one leaf-whorl with a single, yellow flower. Blooming time reaches fom March to April. The plant is because of its ingredient Protoanemonin poisonous.


Grape hyacinths

Currently, I am cultivating the following species in my garden.

Azure Grape Hyacinth (<i>Muscari azureum</i>)Azure Grape Hyacinth (Muscari azureum)

The Azure Grape Hyacinth (Muscari azureum) belongs to the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is to be found in the Turkey (with the exception of the Western and Northeastern regions) on stony, subalpine slopes and meadows in altitudes from 1500 to 2600 metres. Characteristical are the azure blossoms with darker longitudinal stripes. Blooming time is from March to April.

Broad-leaved Grape Hyacinth (Muscari latifolium)Broad-leaved Grape H. (Muscari latifolium)

The Broad-leaved Grape Hyacinth (Muscari latifolium) belongs to the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is found in South and West Turkey in light pine forests in altitudes from 1100 to 1800 metres. By the broad leave and the blossoms, which blossom from down to top, it is to be determined definitely. It blossoms between April and May.


Wildlauch

Currently, I am cultivating the following species in my garden.

Bear's garlic (<i>Allium ursinum</i>)Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum)

The Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum) is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), which is a in Germany native inhabitant of moist deciduous forests, which can smell intensely of garlic - in the case of mass occurrence in spring. The scented, white blossoms stand in pseudo umbels and appear from April to May. The species is well suitable for running wild in half-shade and can be versatile culinary utilized.

Giant Persian Allium (<i>Allium aflatunense</i>)Giant Persian Allium (Allium aflatunense)

The Giant Persian Allium (Allium aflatunense), also Persian Flowering Onion called, is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Natural home of this species is Central Asia. The species can reach a height of circa 90 cm and impressses by countless, violet blossoms, which are arranged to a hemisphere till sphere. Blooming time is between mid Mai und early June. The species prefers stony, dry soils.

Round-headed Leek (<i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i>)Round-headed Leek (Allium sphaerocephalon)

The Round-headed Leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Natural home of this species is South Europe. The species can reach a height between 30 and 80 cm. Its name is chosen not-quite-correctly, because the lushly purple blossoms form during blossoming and withering a rather conical, dense umbel. Blooming time is late and lies between the end of June to the mid of July. The species prefers stony, dry soils.

Star of Persia (<i>Allium christophii</i>)Star of Persia (Allium christophii)

The Star of Persia (Allium christophii) is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Natural home of this species are the mountainous, rocky regions in Northwest Iran and Central Asia. The species can reach a height of circa 50 cm and impressses by very imposing, radial, perfectly shaped, amethyst-coloured blossoms, which are arranged to a sphere. The blooming time is between the end of April and the mid of June. The species prefers stony, dry soils.


Other spring bloomers

English Bluebell (<i>Scilla non-scripta</i>)English Bluebell (Scilla non-scripta)

The English Bluebell, a member of the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae), is naturally to be found in West Europe along the Atlantic coast in half-shady habitats. At first appear from the bulb the long and slender leaves. Then appear from April to May the campanulate, blue blossoms in a slight one-sided inflorescence.


Star-of-Bethlehem (<i>Ornithogalum umbellatum</i>)Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

The popular Star-of-Bethlehem belongs to the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native in the most parts of Europe, but it scattered to be found. The Star-of-Bethlehem prefers sunny, warm habitats on loamy soils. The leaves show a white strip at centre. The blossoms appear between April and May. The corymbose raceme consists mostly of eight to 20 white blossoms.

Lesser Glory-of-the-snow (<i>Chionodoxa sardensis</i>)Lesser Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa sardensis)

The Lesser Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) is a member of the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae), which is to be found in West Turkey around Izmir. There it grows in moist pine forests up to an altitude of 500 m. The star-shaped, blue blossoms open up between March and April. The growth height is between 5 - 15 cm. The Lesser Glory-of-the-snow is suited for a planting out in the lawn. CAVE: The plant is classified as invasive neophyte!

Lungwort (<i>Pulmonaria officinalis</i>)Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)

The Lungwort belongs to the Borage family (Boraginaceae). It is widespread in the most parts of Europe and is to be found in half-shady habitats. The leaves are spotted pale. The blossoms appear between March and April. At first the blossoms are red, later bluish violet. Responsible for this change of colour is a change of the acid content. The blossom pigment, an anthocyanin, appears under acid conditions red, under basic conditions dark purple.

Triandrus Daffodil (<i>Narcissus spec.</i>)Triandrus Daffodil (Narcissus triandrus 'Hawera')

The Triandrus Daffodil (Narcissus triandrus 'Hawera') is a member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) with home on the Iberian Peninsula in sunny altitudes up to 2000 m. The slight pendant, sulphur-yellow blossoms open up in April. The growth height is 10 - 25 cm. Triandrus Daffodils are suited for a planting out in the rockery or within a lawn.


Lucile's Glory-of-the-snow (<i>Chionodoxa luciliae</i>)Lucile's Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae)

The Lucile's Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) is a member of the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae), which comes from the West Anatolian province Manisa. It grows there in sunny altitudes between 1600 and 2000 m. The star-shaped, blue blossoms open up between March and April. The growth height is between 3 - 10 cm. The Lucile's Glory-of-the-snow is suited for a planting out in the rockery or lawn. CAVE: The plant is classified as invasive neophyte!

Cowslip (<i>Primula veris</i>)Cowslip (Primula elatior)

The Cowslip (Primula elatior) is a member of the Primrose family (Primulaceae). The calcicole species is to be found in moist meadows and in alluvial forests and blooms from March to May. The bright yellow blossoms stand in an unilateral umbel. The species is well suited for a planting out in (half-)shady sites on loamy soils.


Spring Snowflake (<i>Leucojum vernum</i>)Spring Snowflake (Leucojum vernum)

The Spring Snowflake is a well-known member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). It populates moist deciduous forests. The species is relatively rare, but at congenial habitats often in mass-occurrences to be found. The Spring Snowflake unfolds its white, campanulate blossoms from February to April.


Lily of the Valley (<i>Convallaria majalis</i>)Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

The well-known and widespread Lily of the Valley, a member of the Lily of the Valley family (Convallariaceae), is to be found in diverse forests. Mostly it occurs in its habitats in great stocks. From the repent rhizome arise at first two Bear's garlic-like leaves, from May to June then the inflorescence with numerous, campanulate, small blossoms. The plant is very toxic.


Common Snowdrop (<i>Galanthus nivalis</i>)Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

The Common Snowdrop is a well-known member of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). The natural distribution area ranges from France to South Poland. Calcareouse, moist soils in shady habitats are favored. The white blossoms appear in February. A propagation takes place by side bulbs and seeds, which are distributed by ants.


Siberian Squill (<i>Scilla siberica</i>)Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)

The Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) is a member of the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Natural home of this species are moist, open forests in Turkey, South Russia, Caucasus and Iran. Compared to the Two-leaf Squill (Scilla bifolia) are the blossoms greater, bell-shaped and cernuous. Blooming time is between March and April.


Fox's Grape (<i>Fritillaria assyriaca</i>)Fox's Grape (Fritillaria assyriaca)

The Fox's Grape (Fritillaria assyriaca) is a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae). It is found in East Turkey, Iraq and Iran. The campanulate blossoms appear in March and April. The blossoms are of a black-blue basic colour with a yellow margin. The growth height is up to 20 cm. The Fox's Grape is suited for a planting out in the rockery or within the lawn.


Michael's flower (<i>Fritillaria michailovskyi</i>)Michael's flower (Fritillaria michailovskyi)

The Michael's flower (Fritillaria michailovskyi) is a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae). It comes from the northeastern mountains of the Turkey. The campanulate blossoms appear from March to May. The 2 - 3 cm long blossoms are of a crimson basic colour with a yellow margin. The growth height is up to 20 cm. The Michael's flower is suited for a planting out in the rockery or within the lawn.

Common Solomon's Seal (<i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i>)Common Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)

The Common Solomon's Seal, also called David's-harp or Ladder-to-heaven, is a in Germany native species, which is especially to be found in deciduous forests. The species belongs to the Lily of the Valley family (Convallariaceae). Shady, clayey locations are favored. From the leaf axils arise from May to June several, long-cylindrical, white blossoms, which are especially pollinated by bumblebees. The plant is considered as mildly poisonous.

Sweet Woodruff (<i>Gallium odoratum</i>)Sweet Woodruff (Gallium odoratum)

The well-known Sweet Woodruff is a member of the Coffee family (Rubiaceae). The nutrient-loving species is predominantly to be found in deciduous forests. The leaves are whorled arranged, the small, white blossoms in long-stemmed pleiochasia. Blooming time is from May to June. For the specific scent are coumarin compounds responsible, which are especially released during withering.

Wild Crocus (<i>Crocus spec.</i>)Wild Crocus (Crocus spec.)

All in all exist circa 80 different wild crocus species. These blossomearlier than their large-flowered hybrids, are more robust and are distinctly better suited for a planting out in meadows. These should be mowed only after withering of the leaves. Frequent species are the yellow Snow Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus), the blue-purple Woodland Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) and the blue Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus).

Winter Aconite (<i>Eranthis hyemalis</i>)Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)

The Winter Aconite belongs to the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and comes originally from South Europe. It was brought to Germany already in the 16th century. It is well suited for a planting out in moist lawns. The yellow blossoms appear already in February. Attention: The Winter Aconite is because of its content of cardioactive glycosides highly poisonous.

Striped Squill (<i>Puschkinia libanotica</i>)Striped Squill (Puschkinia libanotica)

The Striped Squill, also called Snowdrift or Early Stardrift, belongs to the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is naturally to be found from Northeast Turkey to the Lebanon and the Iran. There it grows in alpine mountain slopes in an altitude of 1700 - 3500 m. Culture in Germany is uncomplicated. They are well suited for a planting out in moist lawns. At the end of March appear the blue-grained, white blossoms.

Reticulated Iris (<i>Iris reticulata</i>)Reticulated Iris (Iris reticulata)

The Reticulated Iris belongs to the Iris family (Iridaceae). The natural distribution area of this species is the Caucasus, the Turkey as well as the Iraq, where it grows in stony mountain slopes between 600 - 2700 m. In March, this uncomplicated species pleases with intensive blue blossoms, which have a yellow grain.

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