Also known as Alpine Tulip · Central-Asian Tulip · Kaufmann's Tulip
Water-Lily Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana) is a striking early spring bloomer with star-shaped flowers, often with contrasting inner and outer petal colors.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers sunny locations but tolerates some light shade, especially in warmer climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during growth; reduce significantly during dormancy.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures during its growing season; requires a cold period for dormancy.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer during spring growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water the Water-Lily Tulip moderately during its active growing season (spring and early summer) and after flowering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, allowing the bulbs to go dormant.
Prune away any dead or yellowing foliage only after it has naturally died back. This allows the plant to reabsorb nutrients into the bulb. Do not cut back green leaves prematurely.
Remove spent flower stalks to prevent seed formation and direct energy back to the bulb.
Propagate Water-Lily Tulips by separating offsets (bulblets) from the main bulb during their dormant period (late summer or early autumn). Replant the offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb in well-draining soil.
Division is the most common and effective method.
Repot Water-Lily Tulips every 2-3 years, or when the bulbs become crowded. This is best done during the dormant season, late summer to early autumn.
Use a well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulbs at a depth of approximately 8-10 cm, ensuring adequate spacing.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Water-Lily Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana)
Where Water-Lily Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Tulipa |
| Species | Tulipa kaufmanniana |
Similar in genus Tulipa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
