Persian Tulip Plant Care
Tulipa persica (Lindl.) Sweet
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its long, narrow, grey-green leaves and striking deep purple to maroon cup-shaped flowers, this plant originates from the rocky hillsides of Iran. Plant collectors are drawn to Tulipa persica for its rare and unique coloration, making it a coveted addition to any garden or collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Persian Tulip?
Water Persian Tulip every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Persian Tulip Native To?
What Is the Persian Tulip?
Persian Tulip (Tulipa persica) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Tulipa genus. Persian Tulip is native to northwestern Iran. Persian Tulip is also known as Turkestan Tulip.
Persian Tulip displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Persian Tulip produces colorful cup-shaped flowers in various hues.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Persian Tulip?
Tulipa persica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Persian Tulip Need?
Persian Tulip thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Persian Tulip Prefer?
Tulipa persica grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Persian Tulip prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Persian Tulip?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Persian Tulip to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Persian Tulip?
Feed Persian Tulip every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Persian Tulip?
Divide and replant bulbs every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Persian Tulip?
Persian Tulip can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild tulip plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Persian Tulip Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Persian Tulip?
Persian Tulip is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Persian Tulip Need?
Persian Tulip grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Persian Tulip is native to northwestern Iran.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Persian Tulip is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tulipa genus — compare its care with other Tulipa species on PlantoScan.
Tulipa is part of the Liliaceae plant family — browse all Liliaceae genera and species.
Persian Tulip thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tulipa Species
Other Tulipa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tulipa persica (Lindl.) Sweet, family Liliaceae (first published in Hort. Brit. , ed. 2: 536 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Persian Tulip is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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