Species Tulip Bulbs, Dasystemon Tarda, PERENNIAL

Tulipa tarda (Dasystemon tarda) is a delightful early-blooming botanical (species) tulip that heralds spring with a burst of cream and gold. White-tipped petals frame a bright golden-yellow center, creating a charming, star-shaped flower that sits close to the ground in a naturally elegant, low habit. A true hardy perennial — one of the best naturalizing tulips available — it can be left in place year-round and improves with each passing season. Genuinely deer resistant. Fragrant. Great naturalizer. Top size 6/8 cm bulbs.

Plant Highlights

• Cream and gold star-shaped blooms with white-tipped petals — charming early-spring display
• One of the best naturalizing species tulips — left in place year-round, it spreads and multiplies
• Genuinely deer resistant
• Fragrant; attracts bees and butterflies
• Hardy perennial — no digging required in suitable zones
• Early bloomer; low, weather-resistant habit
• Blooms mid-to-late spring; height ~6 inches; top size 6/8 cm

Planting Guide

When to plant: Fall, for spring bloom.

Location: Mostly sunny to light shade; excellent drainage essential. Avoid waterlogged sites. Tulipa tarda is ideal for rock gardens, gravel beds, and sunny borders where it can be left undisturbed.

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.

After planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil. No need to lift these bulbs in fall — they are hardy and prefer to be left in place.

Spring & Post-Bloom Care

Water lightly when there has been no rain for 3–5 days. After bloom, remove seedpods and cut stems but leave foliage until fully yellow/purple. Stop watering after foliage is removed so the bulb can rest and build energy for the following season.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Tarda Tulip, Dasystemon Tulip
• Botanical name: Tulipa tarda (syn. Tulipa dasystemon tarda)
• Division: 15 (Species / Botanical)
• Bulb size: Top size 6/8 cm
• Height: ~6 inches
• Bloom: Cream and gold with white-tipped petals; fragrant
• Bloom time: Early-to-mid spring
• Deer resistant: Yes | Attracts: Bees and butterflies
• Perennial naturalizer: Yes — excellent; spreads over time
• Light: Mostly sunny to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained; any average to sandy soil