Candia tulip (Tulipa saxatilis)

Candia tulip

Features and Characteristics

Tulipa saxatilis is native to rocky fields in Crete. It is a low-growing species tulip (Division 1- that produces mildly fragrant, flattened cup-shaped, pale lilac flowers (1-4 flowers per stem) with yellow inside basal blotches edged with white. Fully open flowers have a star-like appearance. Flowers appear on 8-10″ stems in April. Glossy green leaves.

Genus name comes the Latinized version of the Turkish name tulbend meaning a turban.

Specific epithet means found among rocks.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Best in somewhat gritty soils and generally tolerant of poor soils as long as drainage is good. Plant bulbs 5-6” deep in fall. Remove flower stems promptly after bloom to prevent seed formation, but leave foliage in place until it yellows. This species tulip is stoloniferous and will naturalize itself in the garden and perform well over a longer period of years than most of the hybrid tulips sold in commerce today.

Candia tulip (Tulipa saxatilis) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Gray mold, stem rot and basal rot are occasional problems.

Uses

Rock gardens. Also effective in beds, border fronts or around trees or shrubs. This compact tulip is effective in small groupings of at least 12-15 bulbs or massed into larger drifts. Can be naturalized in cottage gardens or wild gardens.

Candia tulip (Tulipa saxatilis) Details

Common name	Candia tulip
Botanical name	Tulipa saxatilis
Plant type	Bulb
Family	Liliaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Rosy pink to pale lilac
Flowering period	April
Height	0.50 to 0.75 feet
Width	0.50 to 0.75 feet