Tulipa clusiana Cynthia

Graceful, delicate and full of natural charm, Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia' is a beautiful Species Tulip producing elegant, star-shaped flowers in glowing primrose-yellow, each delicately flushed with rich crimson-red on the outer petals. As the blooms open fully in sunshine, they reveal a brilliant golden centre, creating a dazzling contrast against the finely pointed petals.

A member of the Lady Tulip group, Tulipa clusiana originates from the rocky hillsides of Central Asia and the Middle East, where it thrives in well-drained soils and sunny conditions. Unlike many larger hybrid tulips, 'Cynthia' has a wonderfully natural appearance and is renowned for its ability to naturalise, returning year after year in favourable conditions.

Its slender stems and narrow blue-green foliage make it an excellent choice for rockeries, gravel gardens, alpine beds, borders and containers, where its refined flowers can be appreciated up close. The blooms gently open and close with the changing light, bringing movement and interest to the spring garden.

Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM), Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia' is easy to grow, highly reliable and loved by bees and other early pollinating insects.

A truly elegant botanical tulip that becomes more beautiful with each passing spring.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Tulipa clusiana bulbs in autumn, ideally from October to December, while the soil remains workable and before it freezes.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with free-draining soil. Tulipa clusiana 'Cynthia' is perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens, alpine beds, containers and the front of sunny borders, where it can naturalise over time.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 10 cm (4 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: If your soil is heavy, incorporate horticultural grit to improve drainage. A little compost may be added to poor soils.

Watering:
Water after planting to settle the soil. Once established, Species Tulips require very little watering except during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove faded flowers if seed is not required.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for the following year.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed wherever possible, as they often naturalise and improve with age.

Top Tip:
Plant in generous drifts amongst gravel or low-growing alpine plants where the elegant flowers can open fully in the spring sunshine. 'Cynthia' is particularly effective planted with other botanical tulips and species narcissi.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
April (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
8–12" (20–30cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial

Species Tulip

RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)