Species Tulip (Tulipa batalinii)

common name:

Species tulip, Batalin’s tulip

scientific name:

Tulipa

batalinii

Yellow tulips blooming among green leaves and stems in a garden setting.

‘Apricot Jewel’ species tulip (Tulipa batalinii) in full bloom in the Backyard Farmer Garden, April 2026.

Image Creadit:

Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant

Species tulip (Tulipa batalinii) is a compact, drought-tolerant bulb prized for its refined form and reliability compared to many hybrid tulips. Native to Central Asia, it is well adapted to dry, well-drained soils and performs best in full sun. In early to mid-spring, it produces delicate, star-shaped flowers in warm tones of apricot, yellow, or orange that open wide in sunlight. Unlike many traditional tulips, species tulips tend to be longer-lived and may naturalize over time when planted in suitable conditions.

Charecteristics

Plant type:

Bulb

Hardiness Zones:

4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7

Light Needs:

Full Sun

Water Needs:

Dry

Space Requirements:

Less than 12 inches

Height Requirements:

Less than 2 feet

Spread Requirements:

1–2 feet

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

Spring

Leaf Color:

Green

Companion Plant Tolerance:

Drought

Dry Soil

Uses:

Container

Ground Cover

Naturalize

Varieties

Yellow tulips surrounded by green leaves in a garden setting.

‘Apricot Jewel’

‘Apricot Jewel’ is a standout selection of Tulipa batalinii known for its soft apricot to peach-colored blooms that gently fade to creamy yellow as they mature. Its low, compact habit and graceful, star-shaped flowers make it especially effective in rock gardens, containers, and naturalized plantings. This cultivar maintains the species’ excellent drought tolerance and reliability, offering a refined and long-lasting spring display.