Garden Tulips and their classification
Garden Tulips and their classification
The basis of classification of Tulips is their flowering season i.e. early, mid-season and late flowering. The official classification of Tulip lists 15 divisions. 11 divisions are of garden Tulips, another three divisions of cultivars derived from the species and the last comprising true species and their direct hybrids.
Division 1 and division 2 contain early flowering garden cultivars because they are first to bloom.
Division 1: Single Early- This is one of the earliest flowering Tulip groups. They are cup shaped and have 25-38 cm (10-15inch) tall stems. They are good for mass plantation in beds/ borders.
Division 2: Double Early-This group has large, wide open double flowers per stem. Plant is 25-30 cm (10-12inch) tall.
Mid season- Division 3: Triumph-These were developed by a cross between single early and late flowering varieties. It has angular flowers with coloured edges and lanceolate leaves (spear shaped, gradually extending at base and lessening to the apex.) Plant is 30-35 cm (12-14 inch) tall.
Division 4: Darwin Hybrids – They are chiefly the result of crossing between Darwins Tulips and T. fosteriana and cross between other Tulips with botanical tulips which have the same habit. Flowers are massive single cups noted for their brilliant colours and superb-stature. Stems are 55-70 cm (22-28inch) tall.
Late Tulip- Division 5: Single late-This group includes Darwin and cottage tulips. Due to hybridization, their separate identities have merged.
Division 6: Late Flowered- These bulbs produce flowers which are graceful and elegant and have beautifully reflexed pointed petals. The blooms stand on 45-60 cm (18-24 inch) tall stem.
Division 7: Fringed Tulips- Tulips whose petals are edged with crystal shaped fringes.
Division 8: Virdiflora Tulips- Tulips with partly green perianths.
Division 9: Rembrandt Tulips- Flowers have ‘broken’colours, but make exotic groups in the garden and in flower arrangement.
Division 10: Parrot tulips- Flowers are often bicoloured & have waved or fringed petals. Average plant height is 40-45 cm.
Division 11: Double Late or Peony flowered-Huge peony like flowers. These are long lasting.
Species (Botanical Tulips) - All flowers in February. They are available in large no. to gardeners.
Division 12:T.Kaufmanniana - Also called ‘water lily’ because of beautiful strap shaped petals which open out flat on short stem 10-15cm stem. It can withstand adverse weather. It is very early flowering variety.
Division 13: T.fosteriana - This species is the main parent of Darwin Hybrid tulips & is known for its flamboyant, glowing colours with massive blooms. Leaves are grey-green.
The plant is 8-18 inch tall.
Division 14: T.greigii- This species has long lasting brilliant ‘oriental’ coloured blooms & broad leaves which are beautifully marked with purple, brown or yellow. Average plant height is 30 cm (12 inch).
Division 15: Other species including selections and hybrids- The most suitable for pot plants is T. batalinii