Saxatilis

“Tulipa saxatilis is native to rocky fields in Crete. It is a low-growing species tulip (Division 15) that produces mildly fragrant, flattened cup-shaped, pale lilac flowers (1-4 flowers per stem) with yellow inside basal blotches edged with white. Fully open flowers have a star-like appearance. Flowers appear on 8-10″ stems in April. Glossy green leaves.

“Genus name comes the Latinized version of the Turkish name tulbend meaning a turban.

“Specific epithet means found among rocks.

“Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Best in somewhat gritty soils and generally tolerant of poor soils as long as drainage is good. Plant bulbs 5-6” deep in fall. Remove flower stems promptly after bloom to prevent seed formation, but leave foliage in place until it yellows. This species tulip is stoloniferous and will naturalize itself in the garden and perform well over a longer period of years than most of the hybrid tulips sold in commerce today.” (MBG)