The flowers open wide on sunny days. The open flowers resemble a star or waterlily. Some selections include 'Stresa,' kaufmanniana and 'Heart's Delight'. Species tulips include wild species, horticultural varieties and hybrids. Most are early blooming, short-statured plants.
Species tulips are available in a wide array of colors.
They are excellent plants for rock gardens, the front of borders and heirloom gardens. Examples include Tulipa tarda, Tulipa linifolia and Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier'. Several cultural practices can help prolong the life of tulip bulbs. To prolong bulb life, size does matter. Except for the species tulips, top-quality bulbs are 12 centimeters or more in circumference.