Description

Tulip chrysantha Tuberosum Gem is a wild-type species tulip suited to ecologically sensitive landscapes, restoration planting, and low-maintenance, drought-resilient schemes. Its slim, elongated golden petals are brushed with scarlet on the outside, forming star-like blooms in March to early April. Growth height is modest at 15–20 cm, allowing it to naturalise freely in open sun, well-drained, and nutrient-light soils.

This tulip is a top choice for alpine plantings, ecological gravel gardens, historic bulb meadows, and naturalised orchard edges. It thrives in poor, sandy, or chalky soils, as well as green roofs and dry urban installations that mimic Mediterranean or steppe environments. Once planted and undisturbed, it offers long-term returns with low input.

Best used in sun-baked rockeries, bank stabilisation planting, or wildlife garden designs, Tuberosum Gem works well with Iris reticulata, Scilla bifolia, Anemone blanda, and early crocus.

Of significant biodiversity value, this tulip provides pollen and shelter for early pollinators, especially solitary bees and hoverflies seeking food in late winter and early spring. Its open form and low stature make it one of the few tulips with real ecological merit.