Tulipa clusiana Peppermintstick

Delicate, graceful and full of natural charm, Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermintstick' is one of the most enchanting Species Tulips you can grow. Its elegant, slender buds open into beautifully star-shaped flowers with creamy white petals delicately brushed rose-pink on the outside, creating a delightful peppermint-striped effect that gives this variety its charming name.

A member of the Lady Tulip group, Tulipa clusiana is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and has long been admired for its refined beauty and natural elegance. As the flowers open in bright sunshine, they reveal a glowing creamy-white centre, while in the evening and on cloudy days they gently close again, displaying the attractive pink-striped outer petals.

Unlike many larger hybrid tulips, 'Peppermintstick' is exceptionally well suited to naturalising. Given a sunny, well-drained position, it will return year after year, gradually increasing to form delightful colonies. Its compact habit makes it perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens, alpine beds, borders and patio containers, where its exquisite flowers can be admired up close.

Awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM), this elegant botanical tulip is also highly attractive to bees and other early pollinating insects.

A truly timeless species tulip that brings understated beauty and sophistication to every spring garden.

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 'Peppermintstick' 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. Add a little compost if planting in poor soil.

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, low-growing alpines or spring-flowering bulbs for a beautiful natural display. The flowers open wide in sunshine and close again at dusk, offering interest throughout the day.

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)