Tulipa Kaufmanniana

Tulipa kaufmanniana, the waterlily tulip, is a dwarf Central Asian species whose broad flowers open almost flat in spring sunshine. Wild seedlings may range through cream, white, yellow and red, often with contrasting colour on the outer petals and a bright yellow base inside. Broad glaucous leaves keep the plant low and sturdy, making it well suited to exposed gardens, troughs and containers. The flower's waterlily-like posture and early season made this species an important parent of the modern Kaufmanniana Group of garden tulips.