Wild Tulip

Tulipa sylvestris

The Wild Tulip, Tulipa sylvestris, is the only close relative of the garden tulip found growing wild in Britain, though it is thought to have been introduced long ago before becoming naturalised in meadows and old grassland, particularly in parts of central and eastern England. Far removed from the bold formality of many modern tulips, it has a graceful, natural character that makes it especially valuable in informal and naturalistic plantings.

Flowering in April, its elegant nodding rich yellow blooms are accompanied by the added delight of a delicious fragrance, a quality all too rare among modern tulips. Reaching approximately 12 inches in height, it is particularly well suited to meadows, sunny borders, orchards, and lightly naturalistic settings where its quiet charm can be fully appreciated.