Lilac Wonder (Species Tulips) bulbs

Tulipa bakeri ‘Lilac Wonder’ is one of the most distinctive and graceful of all botanical (species) tulips — an unusual, long-lived perennial with gorgeous mauve-pink petals surrounding a warm soft yellow center. Lilac-pink and creamy white blooms with golden centers make a luminous early spring display. One of the most reliable naturalizers in the tulip world, Lilac Wonder returns year after year and improves with age. Genuinely deer resistant. Fragrant. Mid-to-late spring blooming. Top size 6/8 cm bulbs. Height: 4–6 inches.

Plant Highlights

• Mauve-pink petals with a golden yellow center — one of the most beautiful botanical tulip colorways
• Long-lived, vigorous perennial — naturalizes freely and improves with age
• Genuinely deer resistant — a rare trait among tulips
• Fragrant; attracts bees and butterflies
• Weather-resilient low habit; elegant striped foliage on many bulbs
• Blooms mid-to-late spring; height 4–6 inches; top size 6/8 cm bulbs
• USDA Zones 3–8

Planting Guide

When to plant: Fall, for mid-to-late spring bloom.

Location: Mostly sunny to light shade; well-drained soil essential. Avoid waterlogged sites. Suitable soil types: sandy, average, or compost-enriched.

Depth & spacing: Plant 6–7 inches deep (at least 2x bulb height), pointed end up. Space 5–6 inches apart in beds; cluster closer in containers for a fuller effect.

After planting: Water thoroughly to settle soil. Lilac Wonder is happy to stay in the ground year-round — no digging required in suitable zones.

Spring & Post-Bloom Care

Water lightly when there has been no rain for 3–5 days. After bloom, remove green seedpods and cut stems promptly. Do not cut foliage until fully yellow/purple — the leaves feed the bulb. Stop watering after foliage removal to allow the bulb to rest.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Lilac Wonder Tulip
• Botanical name: Tulipa bakeri
• Division: 15 (Species / Botanical)
• Bulb size: Top size 6/8 cm | Planting depth: 2–4 inches (or 6–7 inches per standard tulip rule)
• Height: 4–6 inches
• Bloom: Mauve-pink with golden yellow center; fragrant
• Bloom time: Mid-to-late spring (end April)
• USDA Zones: 3–8
• Soil: Sandy, average, or compost-enriched; well-drained
• Deer resistant: Yes | Attracts: Bees and butterflies
• Perennial naturalizer: Yes