Lifespan of Tulips
Tulips are categorized into 14 botanical groups, each with varying bloom times, flower sizes, and lifespans.
Below is a general description of varieties with different longevity.
The varieties listed here are based on our own experiences. However, the lifespan of tulips also depends on the soil, summer temperatures, rainfall, and fertilization. Many external factors influence a tulip’s ability to bloom repeatedly.
To ensure tulips return for many years, they need to be fertilized, for example with Zetas bulb fertilizer, in April when the bulbs start emerging from the soil. It's also beneficial to add fertilizer when planting new bulbs in the fall.
Darwin Hybrid Group: 3-4 years
- Tulipa 'Apricot Delight'
- Tulipa 'Light and Dreamy'
- Tulipa 'Silverstream'
Fosteriana Group: 4 years
- Tulipa 'Purissima'
Botanical Varieties (Long-Lived): 4 years and longer
- Tulipa clusiana (Italian Tulip)
- Tulipa polychroma
- Tulipa tarda
- Tulipa turkestanica
- Tulipa 'Peppermintstick'
- Tulipa humilis 'Persian Pearl'
- Tulipa linifolia 'Honky Tonk'
- Tulipa clusiana stellata
- Tulipa 'Alba Coerulea Oculata'
Lily-Flowered Group: 3-4 years
- Tulipa 'White Triumphator'
Early Double Flowered Group: 2-3 years
- Tulipa 'Mondial'
- Tulipa 'Verona'
- Tulipa 'Foxy Foxtrot'
- Tulipa 'La Belle Epoque'
- Tulipa 'Silk Road'
Lifespan other bulb groups
Crocuses are very long-lived and well-suited for naturalizing. The small-flowered Crocus chrysanthus blooms early in March and is an important food source for newly awakened bees and bumblebees. They multiply quickly and form large carpets. They are slightly smaller in flower size than Crocus vernus, which blooms in March-April.
Daffodils are among the longest-lasting flowers in the garden. There are incredibly many varieties to choose from. They propagate via side bulbs. After a few years, they may produce more leaves than flowers. That’s when it's time to divide the “bulb cake.” Lift the entire clump, divide the bulbs, and replant them with 10 cm spacing.
Hyacinths thrive best in sandy soil. They come back for about 3-4 years, but the flowers become sparser on the stem.
Snowdrops are the earliest heralds of spring. Their bulbs are very sensitive to drying out and should be planted early in the autumn. Alternatively, you can buy them “in the green,” meaning potted in the spring.
Best of luck!