While Dutch-bred tulips make wonderful flower displays and are acclaimed worldwide, the species that led to our modern marvels are just as lovely in their own way.
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Commonly called rock tulips, they originated in rocky mountainous terrains found in Greece, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Turkistan and Turkey.
The flowers of species tulips are usually smaller and daintier than the typical garden tulips that have been bred up from them by mainly-Dutch hybridists. The bulbs are usually smaller than those of the garden varieties and some can have extremely tough or brittle tunics, while others have woolly undercoats to protect the bulb from extreme heat and cold.
These long-lived beauties naturalise quickly and are ideal for rock gardens or border plantings provided they are planted in a well-drained soil that does not get too hot in summer.
Modern garden tulips need to be lifted annually after they die down, stored, then replanted in the autumn after the weather has cooled. However, the species tulips are best left deep down in a suitable soil where they will increase naturally for several years.
Some species such as Tulipa kaufmanniana, the water lily tulip from Uzbekistan, produces a dropper which grows well down into the soil to form a new bulb on the extremity.
Other species such as T. eichleri multiply by forming off-sets while some grow runners or stolons that form new bulbs on the ends. Examples of these are T. saxatilis, T. sylvestris and T. chrysanthus.
Species tulips multiply freely and form a blaze of colour in spring, but to successfully grow them we must reproduce the conditions which they enjoy in their natural habitat.
When dormant most tulip species have to be able to survive the intense dry heat of summer so they grow 12-20cms down in gritty, perfectly-drained soil. Therefore, to grow them successfully choose a sunny spot in a bed or large container of open, gritty soil with a few stones added.
In autumn, plant bulbs about 12-20cms deep, keep weeded, allow only natural rain to water them and place them where they will receive maximum sun. In spring they will reward your efforts by appearing in a vast range of flower sizes and colours.
Some species are dwarfs while others may be 30cms high. Colours range through yellows, lilacs, oranges and brilliant reds. The Tulipa gregii group are gorgeous specimens growing to 30cms high with single, bowl-shaped flowers with centres that are individually different from each other and have spotted and striped leaves. These naturalise easily and appear year after year.
An annual light dressing of an all-purpose fertiliser or blood and bone, applied just after flowering, is all these lovely plants require.
Brown Boronia
The brown boronia, Boronia megastigma can be grown in a wide range of soils provided they are well-draining.
These soil requirements are necessary as the shallow, fibrous root system is prone to drying out which would mean the certain end for the plant.
The brown boronia will tolerate full sun provided the roots are kept cool and moist.
To encourage bushiness, prune after flowering.
Diary
March 2: North West Lilium Society meets at Penguin Baptist Centre at 1pm
March 19: The Australian Plant Society, Max Fry Hall, Gorge Road Trevallyn 7.30pm. Jon Hosford speaking on ‘Aboriginal People’s Use Of Plants’. Visitors welcome.
March 20: The Launceston Horticultural Society meeting, Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston, 8pm.
March 21: Launceston Orchid Society meets at Newnham Uniting Church, Launceston, 7pm.