Dwarf Tulip

tulipa humilis

Also known as: ["Stellata Tulip","Short Tulip"]

Family: Liliaceae Genus: Tulipa Category: Flowers

Overview

A small, early-blooming tulip species with star-shaped flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.

Benefits & Perks

["early blooming","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Tulipa
Botanical Name: Tulipa humilis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering and foliage senescence.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of flowers and dead foliage only).
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) during active growth; partial shade in extreme heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy bulbs (rot); yellowing leaves (nutrient deficiency or water issues); stunted growth (poor soil or overcrowding).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in excessive heat; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust frequency based on growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure soil dries between waterings; use raised beds for better drainage.

Temperature

Cool temperatures (50–65°F/10–18°C) during growth; tolerate cold winters but need protection below 20°F/−7°C.

Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from freezing winds; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer; use liquid fertilizer for easy absorption.

Propagation

Methods

Division of bulbs after foliage dies back in summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Dig bulbs carefully.
  2. Separate offsets.
  3. Replant at proper depth.
  4. Water lightly.

Best Time: Late summer after the plant has finished flowering and foliage has yellowed.

Environment

Cool, dry conditions; avoid excessive moisture until new roots form.

Medium

Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.

Hormone

Not required for bulb division.

Timeline

Immediate establishment after division; new growth appears in fall or next spring.

Tools Needed

Garden fork, sharp knife, bulb separator tool.

Quick Tips

Divide only when necessary to avoid stressing the plant; replant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at the base; cut foliage only after it has completely yellowed and dried.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers after blooming to redirect energy to bulb development; trim yellowed foliage after it dies back.

Tools

Hand pruners, scissors.

Checklist

Remove spent blooms; wait for foliage to die back before cutting; clean tools after use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late summer or early fall after dormancy begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting in containers.

Method

Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at 2–3 times their own depth with the tip just below the soil surface.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years to refresh soil.

Checklist

Check for overcrowding; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper planting depth; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in dormancy.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil around the bulb.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during active growth (spring) and allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering significantly in summer dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress); premature bulb dormancy.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root damage or bulb rot if soil is waterlogged.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors.

Hot Stress

Causes leaf scorch, bud drop, and premature dormancy; reduces bulb vigor for next season.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep soil cool.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growth; avoid dormant period; water after feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Tulipa humilis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Tulipa humilis is often due to water stress, either from drought or overwatering, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Tulipa humilis are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly basal rot, can affect Tulipa humilis, often caused by fungal pathogens or bacterial infections, leading to bulb decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to toxicity from Tulipa humilis, particularly if they ingest the bulbs, leaves, or flowers. The toxic glycosides can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Tulipa humilis can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other toxic effects due to the presence of toxic glycosides. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant, especially the bulbs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Humans
Toxic

Tulipa humilis contains toxic compounds, primarily glycosides, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Tulipa humilis grow?

A: It typically reaches 6–12 inches in height.

Q: When does Tulipa humilis bloom?

A: It blooms in early spring, often March or April.

Q: Is Tulipa humilis deer resistant?

A: Yes, it is moderately deer resistant due to its small size and early blooming period.

Quick Reference
Family: Liliaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Turk's cap lily, swamp lily
View
Regal Lily
View
Garden Tulip
View
Toad Lily
View