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Tulips #874097

Asked June 21, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT

Hello. My partner and I have recently gotten into exotic tulips from the Netherlands. We have, however, read that many gardeners treat tulips as annuals, much to our dismay. Could you offer your top 10 (TEN) tulips which are awesome repeat performers and naturalize easily? It would be wonderful if in your answer, you could include several short varities (crocus size or slightly larger) and some that are standard 16-22 inches tall. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Because there quite a few variables, there is not a top ten list.  Your soil, how deep they are planted, and the weather contribute to how well they perform.  Some people don’t like the patchy look that can come from uneven reblooming the following spring so remove and replant in the fall.  The following article may be of interest.
https://northerngardener.org/garden-solutions-perennial-tulips/
A couple of tips:
1.  There are early, mid and late season tulip varieties to choose from.  Be aware of this if you are trying to get an area to bloom all at once.
2.  Because tulips are often dug up by animals, usually squirrels, I cover them with a layer of chicken wire when planting in the fall.  Remove in spring.  Deer and rabbits often attack them in the spring.  So using a deterrent is sometimes necessary.

The following website discusses bulb care:
https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-bulbs-tubers-and-rhizomes

To see many varieties of spring flowers, especially tulips, plan to visit the Minnesota Arboretum during tulip time. See:  
1. https://arb.umn.edu/spring
2. 
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MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 24, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT

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