Tulip 'Dasystemon Tarda'

15 bulbs
£7.89
£0.53 each
60 bulbs
£15.49
£0.26 each
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The name 'tarda' means 'late', which is somewhat misleading as it is one of the earlier tulips to flower. The name was given by botanist Otto Stapf who first described it from cultivated specimens, not realising its true flowering time in the wild.

A wonderfully cheerful and reliable species tulip, 'Dasystemon Tarda' (often just called Tulipa tarda) is a must-have for any sunny garden. This low-growing variety produces impressive clusters of up to six flowers per stem, creating a carpet of colour in early to mid-spring. The blooms are shaped like bright, multi-pointed stars that open flat in the sun. The petals are a brilliant, sunny yellow at the heart, with the upper third of each petal tipped in pure, crisp white. The effect is a dazzling, two-tone starburst that is incredibly cheerful. The narrow, glossy green leaves form a neat clump on the ground. It is an exceptionally good perennialiser, quickly forming dense, weed-suppressing mats of colour that return with more vigour each year. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner for its outstanding performance and reliability.

Botanical name Tulipa dasystemon tarda
Flower colour White with a large yellow centre
Bulb size 6/7 cm
Established height 10-15 cm
Established spread 10 cm
Plant spacing 200 bulbs per m²
Leaf colour Bright green
Habit Spreading, low-growing
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully hardy
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full sun
Position Exposed or Sheltered
Suitable for Rock gardens, Gravel gardens, Front of borders, Naturalising
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam, Sandy
RHS Award (AGM) Yes
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Often known simply as Tulipa tarda, this is a wonderful and very reliable species tulip. It produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that open flat in the sun to reveal a bright yellow centre with white tips. It absolutely must have a position in full sun, as the flowers will not open without it. The soil must be very well-drained. It is a small, dwarf variety, perfect for the front of a sunny border, a rockery, a gravel garden, or for growing in pots and containers. It is an excellent naturaliser.

How to Plant:

The small bulbs should be planted in the autumn, from September to November. Dig a hole and plant each bulb at a depth of about 10cm (4 inches), with the pointed tip facing upwards. They are most effective when planted in generous, dense clumps rather than scattered singly, as this creates a beautiful carpet of starry flowers. Space the bulbs about 8-10cm apart.

Aftercare:

This is a very low-maintenance and rewarding tulip that will reliably multiply and return year after year with minimum fuss. After the flowers have faded, there is no need to deadhead them unless you wish to tidy their appearance. You must allow the narrow, strappy foliage to die back completely on its own before removing it. This is all the care it needs to put on a bigger and better display each spring.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

RHS Award (AGM)

Naturalising

Tulip 'Dasystemon Tarda' - Harding & Bloom

Tulip 'Dasystemon Tarda'

£7.89

£7.89

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset