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Tulipa greigii 'Oratorio' (Tulip)

Tulipa greigii 'Oratorio' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Tulipa greigii 'Oratorio' TEW-lih-pah GREEG-ee-eye Common Name: Tulip Genus: Tulipa
Known for being reliably perennial, Tulipa ‘Oratorio’ (introduced in 1952) blooms in midspring and has splayed, flashy maroon-mottled leaves. It is a standout in the garden from the moment the exquisite heavily striped leaves emerge. Its dazzling 14- to 16-inch-tall coral pink flowers are an added bonus.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Greigii tulips is one group made up entirely of plants with variegated leaves.
 Care: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full or afternoon sun. Use them in containers or raised beds if soil drains poorly. Plant to a depth of two and a half times the height of the bulb. In regions warmer than Zone 8, bulbs will need a cold treatment (40° to 45°F for 8 to 10 weeks).
 Propagation:

 For more bulbs, lift plants in summer and remove the offsets (small lateral bulblets). In fall, replant the bulbs and offsets and fertilize with low-nitrogen fertilizer.


 Problems:

 Bulb and root rot, gray mold, slugs, snails, aphids, nematodes, voles.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Late Spring; Spring
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Naturalizing
Style , Cottage Garden, Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest
Type ,Bulbs

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