Wild Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris - “Woodland Tulip”) - Wildlife-Friendly, Historic Garden Favourite (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs)

The Wild Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris) is a living link to Europe’s early tulip story. Grown in British gardens since the 1500s, it has become an ancient naturalised flower here, most often found in old orchards, college lawns and hedgerows on chalk or limestone soils. In spring it sends up elegant, arching stems with fragrant, lemon-yellow, nodding blooms that open wide in sun, then close again in cool or shade - a quiet, timeless display.

Wildlife truth: Tulips aren’t top-tier nectar plants, but this species’ open, scented flowers on warm days will be visited by early bees and hoverflies, adding honest forage to spring plantings without overwhelming neighbours.

Planting & care:

• Position: Full sun to light dappled shade; superb in short turf/meadow lawn, orchard edges, or light woodland.

• Soil: Well-drained, preferably alkaline/chalky; avoid waterlogging.

• Depth/spacing: Plant 10-15 cm deep (deeper = better perennialising); 8-12 cm apart in informal groups.

• Aftercare: Allow foliage to die back naturally before mowing (or hold off the first spring cut). This species often spreads by slender stolons, so expect gentle wandering over time; lift/divide offsets if you want to contain it.

Folklore & heritage:
Beloved in Renaissance gardens, Wild Tulip is part of the tradition that sparked Europe’s tulip fascination - prized for its perfume and poise long before modern hybrids. In old herbals it symbolised renewal and constancy, and it remains one of the most “garden-worthy” wild-type tulips.

Conservation / provenance note:
Wild colonies in Britain are scarce and locally restricted; our bulbs are nursery-grown, peat-free and pesticide-free — never wild-dug.

Joel says…
“This is the tulip I use when I want a natural look - light, elegant, and scented. Plant it a bit deeper in sunny, well-drained soil and let it drift through short grass or under fruit trees. It comes back beautifully. As always, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

SAFETY NOTE:
Tulips contain tulipalin - bulbs and sap can be toxic/irritant if eaten or handled by sensitive skin. Keep away from pets/livestock; wear gloves if you’re prone to skin reactions.

Why Wild Your Garden?
Unlike mass-produced plants from commercial growers, our wildflowers and bulbs come from small, peat-free, pesticide-free family nurseries that share our ethos. These growers use no herbicides, ensuring plants are safe for wildlife from the moment they arrive in your garden. Joel has used these trusted growers for 20+ years in his wildlife landscaping projects, so you can be confident they’re tried, tested, and genuinely wildlife-friendly. By buying from Wild Your Garden, you’re also supporting independent growers who put nature first.