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Hilde Wild Tulip

Tulipa cretica 'Hilde'

$11.99
$11.99 $15.99
per Bag of 15
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ZONES  3-9 | Good to grow! Zone
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  • Hilde Wild Tulip (Tulipa cretica) features petite, jewel-toned blooms with a naturally refined, species-style look.
  • A true botanical tulip, valued for its hardiness, longevity, and naturalizing ability.
  • Ideal for rock gardens, lawns, and light shade, forming clumping drifts over time.
  • Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, well-suited to sunny, well-drained landscapes.

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Description

Hilde Wild Tulip (Tulipa cretica) is a species tulip native to the rugged, rocky landscapes of Crete, offering a combination of delicate form and durable performance. Its petite, jewel-toned blooms bring early spring color in a more natural, understated style compared to larger hybrid tulips.

As a botanical or species tulip, Hilde reflects the original forms used in tulip hybridization. It blooms in early spring, producing smaller flowers that integrate easily into naturalistic plantings. Each bulb gradually forms its own clump, making it well-suited for naturalizing in lawns, rock gardens, and beneath deciduous trees, where it can spread over time without becoming invasive.

This variety is particularly well-adapted to dry, sunny conditions and well-drained soils, reflecting its origins in arid regions. It is deer-resistant, perennial, and low-maintenance, returning reliably each year with minimal input. Its tolerance for lean soils and ability to thrive in challenging sites make it a strong choice for Western landscapes and water-wise plantings.

Plant bulbs in fall in well-drained soil. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally to support future growth. With proper placement, Hilde Wild Tulip will establish and expand over time, providing consistent early-season color and long-term garden value.

Planting & Care

Tips on Growing Fall Planted Flower Bulbs

When you receive your fall bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.) keep them in a dry, dark, cool place until ready to plant. They need air circulation so they will not collect moisture and rot. Planting times can vary from early October in the North to mid-to-late November in the southern regions. A good rule of thumb is to plant them about 6 weeks before the ground is frozen or after the first hard freeze.

Soil Preparation for Bulbs

A compost enriched, well-drained soil is best. Incorporate a good quality organic compost as needed. Yum Yum Mix® is recommended as an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed for strong plants and healthy roots. Mix a small amount into the bottom of the hole before planting your bulbs.

Many bulbs prefer full sun exposure. However, Muscaria, Allium, Galanthus, Hyacinthoides, Scilla and many Daffodils will tolerate partial shade and bloom well.
Pink daffodils will hold their color longer if planted in dappled shade or morning sun/afternoon shade.

After planting, add a top dressing of compost or other organic material and water in thoroughly. If your winter is dry, water every three to four weeks throughout the winter and add more mulch if necessary.

Protect your Bulbs

Apply a mole or gopher repellent to the surface of the ground to protect bulbs from these burrowing mammals.

After your Bulbs have Bloomed

Once your bulbs have bloomed, allow the bulb foliage to brown and fade naturally since the leaves are feeding the bulb in the ground. Removal of foliage weakens the bulb and leads to fewer blooms the following year. Planting your bulbs amongst your perennials is one way to conceal the dying bulb foliage. The perennials begin to grow and fill out as the bulb foliage dies back. The perennials will then provide foliage and color in the garden from late spring through the summer and into fall. Regular fertilization with balanced organic or natural fertilizer and a re-application of mulch each fall will ensure more and more beautiful spring bulb blooms for many years!

Shipping

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As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Light Requirements

  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun

Water Tolerance

Moderate Rainfall

Bloom Time

Mid to late spring

Advantages

  • Naturalizes
  • Easy To Grow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut Flowers
  • Fragrant
  • Small Spaces
  • Rock Gardens

Additional information

Mature Height

6-7" tall

Bulb Spacing

10-12 per sq ft

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil

Soil Moisture

  • Average

Planting Depth

4-5" deep

Planting Time

  • Fall

Flower Size

1.25" wide

Native To

Europe: Crete

Growing Zones

  • Zone 3
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Poisonous or Toxic to Animals

Yes - Bulbs, blooms, leaves, and stems all contain toxic compounds, which are most concentrated in the bulb.
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