Kaufmanniana tulips

Kaufmanniana tulips open the season with flowers that change their appearance throughout the day. Often called waterlily tulips, their blooms spread wide in bright conditions, revealing star-shaped interiors and contrasting centres before closing again as the light fades. Many varieties have compact stems and richly coloured outer petals, so the closed buds can look quite different from the open flowers. Some also have attractively marked foliage, adding interest beneath the blooms. Plant Kaufmanniana tulip bulbs where these changing details can be enjoyed, whether in a low container, a rock garden or a border beside a path.

Among the earlier tulips to flower, Kaufmanniana varieties are valuable for beginning a spring display before many taller border tulips open. Their modest height makes them easy to combine with small spring bulbs without overwhelming the planting. Choose companions with overlapping flowering times, or plant separate pots that can be brought together as they bloom. Set waterlily tulip bulbs in well-drained soil in autumn, following the planting depth recommended for each variety. Containers should have drainage holes and enough compost beneath the bulbs for their roots. These early-flowering tulips offer an engaging display in a small space, with something different to notice each time the petals open.