For big showy displays, the larger caliber bulbs are certainly worth the price. However, some excellent bargains are to be had by buying lots of smaller caliber bulbs for brightening up a marginal spot in the spring yard. Tulips are sun as well as shade lovers. Remember that come spring, when tulips bloom, all the deciduous, non evergreen trees in your yard will be beautifully leafless. Species tulips refers to those varieties which have not been bred or hybridized and remain essentially as they are found in nature.
Botanical tulips are hybrids, but hybrids which remain very close to the original species.
All tulips sold by the Dutch, including the species and botanical tulips, are actually propagated and grown in Holland. Species and botanical tulips are generally smaller than other tulips. They are especially prized for growing in rock gardens. But some won't make it, even though mums are supposed to be hardy perennials. Inadequate snow cover, extreme cold, heaved roots and the absence of a thick organic mulch all contribute to their demise.