Bring the big blooms and perennial qualities of Kaufmanniana and Greigii tulips into your home landscape. Their vibrant colors make these two types of specie tulips must-haves for the spring garden.
Kaufmanniana tulips are more perennial than the big hybrid tulips, and with a charming delicate look
Variegated Foliage Tulips
The Kaufmanniana and Greigii divisions of tulips grow so well in the garden that they have numerous named varieties, most of which come back year after year. They produce showy flowers and, in the case of T. greigii, some of the largest blooms- which are mostly chalice-shaped.
The “Waterlily” (Kaufmanniana) tulips also come in a number of named varieties, but are more delicate looking, though just as strong as their beefier brethren. Kaufmanniana tulip types bloom quite early, and their smaller profile is charming.
tulips with maroon variegated foliage in stripes and stipples
Small Tulips With Big Impact
They may be short in stature, but the Kaufmanianna and Greigii types of tulips have a large flower and beautiful foliage.
- Are low growing
- Quite hardy (zones 3-7)
- Good for rock gardens and flower beds
- Give a good show in the garden
“Many types of cultivated tulips are descended from either the Greig or Kaufman tulip species. People say almost seventy five percent of cultivated flowers come from these two.”
— Yevgeny Belousov, biologist
Tulipa Class Divisions 12 and 14
Because these types of tulips have become so popular, they have been hybridized and have many named varieties. What all these tulips and the species have in common is their tendency to be perennial, their low stature, and those with Greigii traits, especially, often have variegated foliage. I have planted many of these types in my gardens and love them all.
A Versatile Addition
Their shorter heights mean these spring bulbs are versatile in the landscape.
Division 12
This class comes from the Tulipa kaufmanniana species, native to Turkestan. The earliest flowering tulip in my garden, it shows up in early April.
The Kaufmanniana tulip is also known as the “Waterlily” tulip, which tips off the gardener to the flat wide blooms that open on sunny days. They bloom quite early for me and are buzzing with happy visiting bees, delighted to break their winter fast with fresh nectar.
“Heart’s Delight” is my particular favorite of the Waterlily type and is highly recommended.
Division 14
Developed from the Tulipa greigii species, also native to Turkestan, the Greigii flowers just after the Kaufmanniana group.
With their striking foliage, the plants flower in bright colors. This gives them outstanding visual power in the landscape.
T. greigii are persistent in the garden and often golden yellow and red with striped foliage that is very handsome (a great boon when the flowers are finished and the foliage must remain to recharge the bulb stores). I like “Cape Cod,” “Calypso,” “Fur Elise,” and “Oratorio,” among others.
The beautiful leaves are one reason many gardeners will choose this variety.
Which Cultivars Have Striped Foliage?
Most Greigii, including:
- Calypso
- Red Riding Hood
- Oratorio
- Dreamboat
- Plaisir
- Oriental Beauty
These Kaufmanniana:
- Heart’s Delight
- Ancilla
- Chopin
Comparing Small Stature Tulips
How do kaufmanniana and greigii differ from each other?
Kaufmanniana Tulips (Division 12):
“The Kaufmanniana tulips . . . were described in 1877 by Regel, named after K. von Kaufmann, the governor of Tashkent. They grow wild in Tien Shan. This tulip is 6in (15cm) tall with a long flower which is white with a yellow tint on the inside and rose-tinged outside. Because the flowers open wide, the name “water lily” became attached to this tulip recalling a resemblance to water lilies. Kaufmanniana bloom in March, and are low to the ground with short stems, only 20cm tall.”
— Tulip World
Greigii Tulips (Division 14):
“The Tulip Greigii was discovered in Turkestan in 1877 and described by Regel, named after S.A. Greig, a botanist from St. Petersburg. Hybrids have been produced from crosses with other species. Greigii Tulips have large blooms on short stems with purple marked or mottled foliage. Hybrid Greigii tulips reach heights from 8-16in (20-40cm). They bloom at the end of April and beginning of May.”
— Tulip World<
T. kaufmanniana ‘Stresa’
![T. greigii 'Engadin' By Anrie (Created and uploaded by Anrie) [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.ilonasgarden.com/wp-content/uploads//2025/05/ExternalLink_13419384_50.jpg)
title=”T. greigii ‘Engadin’ By Anrie (Created and uploaded by Anrie) [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons”
‘Pinocchio’ Greigii tulip
Top Named Cultivars to Try
Kaufmanniana | Greigii |
|---|---|
Hearts Delight; white with rose | Pinocchio; red with white |
Giuseppe Verdi; yellow with red | Cape Cod; yellow and red |
Stresa; yellow with red | Dreamboat; pink and yellow |
Johann Strauss; white with red | Oratorio; bright pink |
Sweet Lady; peach pink | Turkish Delight; ivory and dark red-brown |
Concerto; white | Red Riding Hood; red |
Where and How to Plant Division 12, Kaufmanniana Tulip Group
One of the best things about the Kaufmanniana group is that they flower so early. Use the ones with yellow near a forsythia, combine the white varieties with crocus for pretty early spring pictures.
Gardening Tips for Tulips
The famous English gardener E. A. Bowles directed the bulbs to be planted 6 inches deep. The general rule for all bulbs is about 3X the height of the bulb, so this is just a bit shallower than the usual 8 inches.
While they will usually “find their depth” over time, it could help with naturalizing to start out with the correct depth so they will do best.
Their native habitat is high ground, which means good drainage is exceedingly important. This is one reason they do well in containers.
Use at least a cluster of ten bulbs at a time, twenty is better. When plants are as delicate and petite in form as these, the greater numbers help ensure a good show.
Showing an early garden plan with Tulipa Kaufmanniana paired with scillas and crocus near a Magnolia stellata. Source: Garden Magazine 1918, Public Domain
Good Practice for Division 14, Greigii Tulips
This type is substantially larger in flower and impression, closer to the taller tulips in size of bloom and leaves. They are simply shorter. This makes Greigii tulips good for massed bedding.
The plantsman and arbiter of garden style, William Robinson praised the T. greigii in tandem with Erythroniums, and Fritillaria meleagris, all of which would sport similar maroon color in their parts and can bloom together.
Fertilizing in Spring and Fall
Feeding tulips is a good idea. Fertilize as growth begins; foliar feeding will encourage bloom. Continue until the foliage withers.
If your plants do very well and get crowded, lift and replant the smaller bulbs about every three years or so. If they are blooming fine, wait and don’t disturb them.
Blooming with Anemone blanda, which naturalizes easily.
In the Flower Bed
Although these varieties look wonderful massed in a bed on their own, it can be an outstanding flowering show to match them up with low-growing perennials. Those that bloom at the same time, like Pansies, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Lenten Hellebores make good partners.
Interested in growing these types of tulips?
Let me know in the comments which answer describes you
- Yes, I will look for the bulbs this fall
- No, I prefer the tall types like Darwins
- I already grow and love them!
- Not all, but one or two of the varieties interest me.
