Tulipa batalinii

Tulipa batalinii is a species of tulip native to Iran,  Turkestan and Uzbekistan. It is considered by some to be a form of Tulipa linifolia. The plant is about 15 cm in height. It flowers in spring, usually around mid-April, in stony areas. It is one of the best small tulips for the rock garden. They are an incredible source of inexpensive color for your flower bed.

Specifications

 * Zone: 4 to 8
 * Plant Type: Bulb
 * Native Range: Uzbekistan
 * Height: 0.5 to 1 foot
 * Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
 * Bloom Time: April
 * Bloom Color: Soft yellow
 * Sun: Full sun
 * Water: Medium
 * Maintenance: Low

Background
The name Batalini sounds like it was named after an Italian painter or discoverer. It isn't. The Tulipa batalinii is named after Russian botanist Alexander Feodorowicz Batalin, curator during the late 1800's at the Imperial Botanical Garden of St. Petersburg. Dr. Batalin sent the first of this group of tulips to England's Kew Gardens in 1888, and they were introduced into trade by the Dutch a few years later.

Tulips have a long, rich cultivation history, but were intensively hybridized and perfected by the Dutch starting in the 16th century. There are approximately 100 species and hundreds of cultivated varieties. Tulipa batalinii are an inexpensive, accessible choice.

Cultivation
Several Tulipa batalinii cultivars are grown as ornamental plants in gardens, including Bright Gem, Apricot Jewel, Bronze Charm, Red Gem, Yellow Jewel, and Honky Tonk.

Bright Gem
The Batalinii 'Bright Gem' is a fragrant tulip with sulphur yellow petals that are flushed with orange. It measures 4"-6". 6+cm bulbs. Intensity of the colors sometimes varies according to climate and even from one season to another. They can grow up to 12 inches when provided full sun exposure.

Apricot Jewel
Only to report that Apricot Jewel is a cross between the wild Tulipa batalinii and another species tulip, Tulipa maximoviczii, made by W.R. Dykes in the late 1800s. The Apricot Jewel first appears orange-yellow, then gradually turns to a pale-orange. Sometimes red streaks develop on the petals as it ages.

Bronze Charm
Even though this one is known as "Bronze Charm", most people consider the color a deep, buttery gold. As with the other batalinii in this group, the the intensity of color may vary depending on the climate or changes of season. This species flaunts its natural "tulip shape," and at 10 inches (some say four to six inches tall), is tall but a clear miniature ---it is small compared to the famous tulip "cup" shape. The "Bronze Charm" does carry the stunning color of many of the most popular tulips and will blend easily with other members of the Liliaceae family.

Red Gem
Red Gem' is also a lovely tulip and opinions vary on how it compares to the other batalinii tulips. Some describe the 'Red Gem' as suffering by comparison to the brilliant, yellow 'Bright Gem'. The 'Red Gem' has characteristics that are different from the others, beyond just color.

The 'Red Gem' has no pyramidal shape when closed, versus the 'Bright Gem' which resembled an origami pyramid. The stems are not as sturdy as the others so the flower can appear to be blowing in the wind or relaxing on a lazy day. The reality is this gentle tulip leans into the sun.

'Red Gem' blooms in May, late in the season compared to the rest of the botanical tulips. This tulip shows its red outer petals quite handsomely in the shade and open wide when in the direct sun.

Yellow Jewel
Considered to be brighter in color that the 'Bronze Charm', 'Bright Gem', and 'Apricot Jewel', the 'Yellow Jewel' has bright yellow petals with occasional hints of red. This sturdy competitor has lightly perfumed petals and an ornate cup-shaped, classic tulip-like appearance.

Honky Tonk
The 'Honky Tonk' is Tulipa batalinii cultivar and winner of the 2008 AGM award.

Display
The diversity of color provided by the hardy tulipa batalinii is unparalleled. They can be planted in combination or displayed with purple-foliaged heuchera such as Heuchera villosa ‘Mocha’, H. ‘Obsidian’ or ‘Plum Pudding’.

It is also striking to combine ‘Bronze Charm’ with a golden-foliaged perennial such as Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart ‘ or yellow-leafed Chinese forget-me-not, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Spring Yellow’.

The tulipa batalinii flower in early, mid or late spring, depending on the cultivar, and are distinguished by six showy petals/tepals that curve upward to form a cup. Like other species tulips, the tulipa batalinii are dependably perennial and an inexpensive way to splash color in a rock garden, a meadow, or anywhere its brilliant beauty can be admired.

Be sure to consider height and bloom time when designing with tulips as these vary greatly from cultivar to cultivar. It is also wise to plant extra for cutting as they make superb cut flowers.