It is generally assumed that about 150 different wild species exist in an area running roughly from Central Asia to Spain and Portugal. Some of these ‘real’ species are cultivated on a modest level, but most are interesting only to certain tulip enthusiasts. Others, though, are attractive to the ordinary garden owner. It must be mentioned that the interest in wild species is increasing steadily – this phenomenon may have something to do with the fact that more and more wild plants are disappearing from our environment. Tulipa tarda was even pronounced ‘Flower Bulb of the Year’ in Holland for the year 1997, an award that definitely says something about its rising popularity. The bulbs, offered in sizes 6/8 to 8/10, are smaller than those of ordinary tulips and are very easy to naturalise.
