This species tulip is native to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, northern Iran and Afghanistan, where it grows on rocky hillsides. In the trade, it goes under several synonyms, the most popular being Tulipa batalinii. However, it also includes the "species" maximowiczii and afghanica. From a bulb, arises a stem to 10-25 cm, topped with a solitary flower about 6 cm in diameter. The flowers are typically red, but can vary from yellow, bronze to deep red. The foliage is narrow, grey-green, often with wavy margins.
March to April in the wild; in cultivation from late March in the south to early June in the north.
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Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep in autumn. It requires a well-drained, sunny location. In the wild, it usually grows in limestone based soils but does not appear to be fussy in cultivation. The site should be kept quite dry in summer. There are many cultivars in the trade, mostly sold under the name Tuliupa batalinii or linifolia. These include 'Bronze Charm', 'Bright Gem', 'Red Gem', 'Salmon Gem', 'Apricot Jewel', 'Yellow Jewel', 'Honky Tonk' and 'Red Hunter'. It is hardy through zones 4-8.
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Generally this tulip is purchased as bulbs but they may be grown from fall-sown seed, but these will require several years to reach blooming size.
