The Tulipa collection provides spectacular colour in the Mountains House, including Tulipa greigii.
Approximately 100 species of this bulbous genus are recognised, with a distribution ranging from Europe and Asia to the Middle East. All grow in hot, dry conditions from sea level to mountains. Originating from central Asia, Tulipa greigii is one of the more widely known species. It grows to 50cm in height and produces bowl shaped flowers with a black basal blotch. The broad leaves are a glaucous grey-green with a distinctive reddish streaking. This species has been widely used in the breeding of tulips, and many of its offspring bear similar leaf markings.