The Tulipa genus includes about 150 species of perennial bulbs with more than 3,000 cultivars. Tulips originated in Central Asia, where they made their way to Holland through Turkey around 1560. The name “tulipa” is thought to originate from the Persian word for “turban.” But many species have been in cultivation since the 10th Century in Asia (16th Century in Europe), so the original parentage of many modern cultivars is uncertain. To this day, though, most tulips prefer the kind of conditions common to the original native areas—porous, well-draining soil and full sun. Here are 14 categories of tulips that are of the most interest to today’s gardeners.
Native Area: Mediterranean regions, southern EurasiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–16 inches (depends on species)Sun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Height: 20 to 34 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Height: 18–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Height: 14–22 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Height: 16–26 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Height: 14–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: TurkestanUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 8–12 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: TurkistanUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 6 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 16–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 14–22 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 10–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 16–30 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 12–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridsUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 15–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun
