Tulipa sylvestris aka Wild Tulip

Taxonomy

Tulipa sylvestris, also known as the wild tulip or woodland tulip, is a rare and endangered Eurasian and North African species in the lily family. Its natural habitat spans from Portugal and Morocco to western China, covering the Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins, as well as Central Asia. This beautiful plant, bearing yellow, lemon-scented flowers with a pointed shape, blooms in early spring and reaches a height of approximately 25cm. While it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in central and northern Europe, as well as in a few scattered locations in North America, it was first recorded as naturalized in Britain during the late 17th century. Unfortunately, the wild tulip faces the threat of extinction and is listed on the Red List. Originally growing as a weed in vineyards, primarily in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the professionalization of wine growing and the use of herbicides have nearly wiped out Tulipa sylvestris. This dire situation calls for the cultivation and multiplication of these beautiful yellow-flowered lily plants in gardens, ensuring their preservation and protection.

Common names

Wild Tulip, Woodland Tulip

How to care for Wild Tulip

Difficulty

Wild Tulip presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Wild Tulip should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Wild Tulip loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Wild Tulip thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Wild Tulip.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Wild Tulip to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Wild Tulip. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Wild Tulip is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Wild Tulip’s native range is Southern Europe to Central Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia