Tulipa orphanidea Flava

A delightful botanical treasure, Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava' is a charming Species Tulip that brings natural elegance and cheerful colour to the spring garden. Its graceful, star-shaped flowers open in rich golden-yellow, often with a warm bronze or olive-green flush on the outer petals, creating a beautifully subtle contrast. As the blooms open fully in sunshine, they reveal a striking dark central eye surrounded by golden stamens, adding extra drama to these compact flowers.

Native to the rocky hillsides of southern Greece, Tulipa orphanidea is perfectly adapted to sunny, free-draining conditions. Unlike many larger hybrid tulips, 'Flava' has a wonderfully natural appearance and is well suited to naturalising, returning year after year where conditions are favourable.

Flowering in mid to late spring, this compact variety grows to just 15–25cm, making it ideal for rockeries, alpine gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds, containers and the front of sunny borders. Its slender grey-green foliage complements the bright flowers beautifully, while its compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens.

Easy to grow, long-lived and attractive to early pollinating insects, Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add an authentic botanical tulip to their collection.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava' 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. 'Flava' is ideal for rockeries, alpine gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds, containers and the front of sunny borders. It thrives in dry summer conditions once dormant.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils by incorporating horticultural grit to ensure excellent drainage. Avoid areas that remain wet during winter.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Once established, this species tulip requires very little additional watering and dislikes prolonged wet conditions.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove faded flowers if seed is not required.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulbs can replenish themselves for the following spring.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed wherever possible to encourage naturalising and stronger flowering each year.

Top Tip:
Plant 'Flava' in drifts amongst gravel or low-growing alpine plants where its bright golden flowers and attractive bronze-flushed outer petals can be enjoyed at close quarters. It also combines beautifully with other botanical tulips and species narcissi.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

April – May (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
6–10" (15–25cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial

Species Tulip