Species Altai mountain tulip
yellow-red flowers with red stems and green leaves

Altai mountain tulip

Tulipa altaica

The Altai Mountain tulip (Tulipa altaica) is an endangered species of flowering plant which is native to mountainous regions of Central Asia. It is an annual plant that produces five-petals, cup-shaped blooms in a range of vivid colors: deep pink to mauve, waxy yellow, and white with a deep purple throat. Its petals are also distinctive, with overlapping arrangements. It is a relatively drought-tolerant species, and prefers to grow on rocky slopes with access to ample sunlight. It plays an important role in the local ecosystem, helping to stabilize the soil and attracting pollinators.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Altai mountain tulip should be watered once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pot, as well as the temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment. For best results, water early in the morning before the heat of the day, using warm water to reduce the shock when it’s applied to a dry soil. When watering, make sure to drench the entire pot evenly, paying special attention to the root zone where the majority of the water is absorbed. After watering, allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again to prevent root rot.

sunlight

Altai mountain tulips require bright indirect light for most of the day. During the summer months, you can place the plant in a location that receives bright, direct sunlight for 4 to 6 hours daily, preferably in the late morning/early afternoon hours. In the winter months, you should move your plant to a location that receives indirect sunlight for 8 to 12 hours per day.

pruning

Altai mountain tulips should be pruned lightly in the spring, when the tulips have started to grow again, but before the flower heads have appeared. For most healthy plants, light pruning should include the removal of any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems. Pruning can also help to promote new growth and flowering while controlling the shape of the plant. For Altai mountain tulips, the key is to only prune a few leaves and stems at a time so as not to overdo it. Regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Altai mountain tulip typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map