Tulip season has passed its peak around here, a peak that came early for some reason during this cold, dry spring. While several of my favorite Species Tulips have already come and gone, there are several still gracing us with their cheerful presence.
I can’t resist an orange Tulip, so when I saw Tulipa humilis ‘Little Princess’ I had to get some. Tulipa humilis varieties grow only about 6″ tall so it is important not to overwhelm them with taller companions.
The origins of T. humilis are on the high mountain slopes of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon.
‘Little Beauty’ is another Tulipa humilis variety with an interior of blue, white, and magenta. This species needs to be viewed from above to appreciate the colorful centers.
Tulipa clusiana varieties have a very different look depending on whether they are open or closed. ‘Tubergen’s Gem’ is bright yellow when open …
… but a soft red with yellow edges when closed.
Similarly, ‘Lady Jane’ is creamy white when open with a bit of pink at the tips. It is cream and rose-colored when closed. T. clusiana varieties grow about 10″ tall, not quite so petite as T. humilis. This species hails from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the western Himalayas. It has become naturalized as a wildflower in parts of southern Europe.
I planted a small number of all these Tulip varieties seven or eight years ago. Since then, their numbers have remained fairly steady.
Judy has been pushing for more T. clusiana bulbs; they are among her favorites. Also, I’ve noticed in catalogs another T. humilis variety with a white and blue center – T. humilis alba coerulea oculata. These might find their way into a package heading to my house this fall.
gardeninacity 
I adore these little species tulips and I agree with Judy, the clusiana ones are the prettiest. I have Lady Jane too and everyone who sees it wants to grow it. I have just one clump, but next year I want lots. And after seeing yours, ‘Turbergen’s Gem will be added to the list.
I’m also ordering more! Though there are 2-3 red and yellow T. clusiana varieties very similar too ‘Tubergen’s Gem’.
Oh goodness, do you need them all? I am rather taken with ‘Peppermint Stick’ which is similar to Lady Jane’. And ‘Cynthia’ is rather lovely too.
Do I need them all? What kind of question is that?
I know, jusr joking. Of course you need them all.
Oh, how pretty, and numerous, are the varieties of species tulips. I must get on the bandwagon and order some this fall. You have given us quite a selection from which to choose, Jason!
I’ve never grown them and I’m sorry I haven’t. They’re beautiful!
As someone commented already, such a great variety of species of tulips ..it is quite inspiring. The Tubergen Gem is just lovely, and we have a new bulb catalogue here today, I’ll check for that one.
I vote with Judy! What a beautiful display!
Nice! I think Lady Jane is excellent. This spring I saw a photo of another clusina variety, ‘Annika’ and thought hmmmmm that would be a nice to have alongside it.
Ooh, I didn’t know about ‘Annika’.
I had no idea there were so many exquisite tiny types of tulips! And what fascinating origins and history… thanks!
I really like all of these; it’s the size and general shape of them that’s appealing, as well as those wonderful color combinations. Tulip envy’s a terrible thing! I can’t choose one as a favorite, but I think ‘Tubergen’s Gem’ beats out even the white ones.
All lovely, but Little Beauty is my favorite.
Mine too, I think.
All so sweet and delightful. I could be sorely tempted by Little Princess. Those pops of orange sure catch the eye. Turbergen’s Gem is one of my species faves. The squirrels move them around the garden so ya never know where they’re going to show up next.
I love species tulips too… Judy has good taste! That yellow one when open is gorgeous. What a beautiful colour. I also have Little Beauty, but didn’t know Little Princess, so will look out for them. Have you grown Tulip Humilus Violacea “Black Base”? It is a bright pink and has a lovely dark purply centre. And Persian Pearl is pretty too. There seem to be new ones available every year!
I like them all. Nice variety. Interesting how they look so different open vs. closed.
I’m with Judy! Just love all of thses.xxx
Here’s your chuckle for the day. I have 25 or 30 daffodils, and one red tulip. I had to laugh out loud when I saw that one lonely tulip. I can’t imagine how old that bulb must be. 🙂