Garden Tulip
Tulipa gesneriana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Garden Tulip is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native alternatives to Garden Tulip
Garden Tulip is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA spring bulb carrying a single upright cup shaped flower on a bare stem. Most garden tulips perform best treated as annuals, since flowering weakens after the first year where winters are mild. Bulbs need a sustained cold period to bloom.
In an HOA neighborhood
Garden Tulip is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Grown as an ornamental. Non-native plants support far fewer local insects than a native of similar size, so treat this as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Garden Tulip need?
- Garden Tulip grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Garden Tulip bloom?
- Garden Tulip blooms in March, April, and May.
- Is Garden Tulip toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Garden Tulip is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Garden Tulip toxic to cats?
- Yes. Garden Tulip is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Garden Tulip HOA-friendly?
- Garden Tulip is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Garden Tulip and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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