Most of us are used to the fall ritual of planting tulip bulbs, only to have them disappear after a season or two. But if you’re looking to skip the annual back-breaking work, I’ve got a secret for you: perennializing tulips. By choosing specific varieties that “naturalize,” you can create a stunning, colorful carpet of blooms that actually comes back stronger every year with almost zero effort.
Best Tulips for Naturalizing
Wild tulips (also known as species tulips) are the early birds of the garden, often poking their heads out while it’s still chilly. They’re usually a bit shorter than your standard supermarket tulips, but what they lack in height, they make up for with gorgeous, elegant blooms. Even their foliage is a showstopper—some varieties feature striking red-brown stripes, while others have a deep, glossy green sheen.
The best part? If you leave these little beauties alone, they’ll produce “bulblets” and spread across your garden beds over time. The key is giving them the right home. Tulips hate “wet feet,” so avoid soggy spots where the bulbs might rot. They thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil—think rock gardens or sunny slopes. If they’re happy, they’ll multiply like crazy! Here are a few of my favorite varieties to get you started:
- Waterlily Tulips: These bloom March through April and reach about 10 inches tall.
- Lady Tulips: A classic choice that blooms in April, standing around 10 inches tall.
- Late Tulip (Tulipa tarda): These tiny gems bloom April to May, staying low at 6 inches. They’re perfect for pots!
- Fosteriana Tulips: For a bit more drama, these bloom in April and can reach up to 16 inches.
- Persian Pearl (Zwerg-Stern): These dainty stars bloom April to May and top out at 6 inches.
Tulips in Your Lawn
Want that “fairytale meadow” look? You can actually plant spring bulbs like crocuses, daffodils, and wild tulips right into your lawn. Just tuck the bulbs under the turf in the fall. If you mix and match your varieties, you’ll have a vibrant, multi-layered carpet of color come spring.
There is one golden rule, though: patience. Once the flowers fade, you have to wait to mow your grass until the tulip leaves have completely turned yellow and dried up. The bulbs need that time to pull nutrients back from the leaves to store energy for next year’s show. Trust me, if you give them those few extra weeks to recharge, the explosion of color next spring will be well worth the wait!
