Liliaceae
Sun's-Eye Tulip (Tulipa agenensis): Complete Growing Guide
Tulipa agenensis
Plant bulbs in autumn in a full-sun location with well-draining soil. Water moderately during spring growth and stop watering after flowering. Allow the plant to go dormant naturally. Fertilize every 4 weeks during the growing season.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-15° - 30°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Sun's-Eye Tulip (Tulipa agenensis) is a medium-care plant from the Liliaceae family. Tulipa agenensis, commonly known as the Sun's-Eye Tulip or Sharon Tulip, is a wild tulip species native to the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region. It produces striking scarlet flowers with a distinctive black basal blotch edged in yellow, blooming in spring. As a deciduous bulbous perennia...
Sun's-Eye Tulip grows up to 40cm, spread of 20cm, watering every 14 days, -15°C – 30°C, 40–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Sun's-Eye Tulip?
TLDR: Sun's-Eye Tulip needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -15-30°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Water sparingly during spring, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Avoid watering during summer dormancy to prevent bulb rot.
How Much Light Does Sun's-Eye Tulip Need?
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering. Choose an open, sunny spot sheltered from strong winds.
What Is the Best Soil for Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Prefers well-draining sandy to loamy soil with a pH of 7.0–7.5. Amend with sand or perlite to improve drainage and prevent bulb rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Terracotta or clay pot with drainage holes, which allows good evaporation and prevents excess soil moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 28 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Sun's-Eye Tulip and Where Does It Come From?
Tulipa agenensis, commonly known as the Sun's-Eye Tulip or Sharon Tulip, is a wild tulip species native to the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region. It produces striking scarlet flowers with a distinctive black basal blotch edged in yellow, blooming in spring. As a deciduous bulbous perennial, it enters summer dormancy and is well-adapted to dry, sunny Mediterranean climates.
How to Propagate Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Offset Separation
Divide offsets when foliage has fully dried back. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place until autumn replanting.
- 1 Dig up the bulbs during summer dormancy
- 2 Carefully separate the offsets from the parent bulb
- 3 Allow to dry in a shaded, ventilated spot for a few days
- 4 Replant in autumn at a depth of 10–15 cm
Materials needed:
How Big Does Sun's-Eye Tulip Grow?
TLDR: Sun's-Eye Tulip can reach up to 40cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
20cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Sun's-Eye Tulip?
TLDR: Sun's-Eye Tulip is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. It affects over 200 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing grayish spots and soft rot on infected tissues.
Bacterial Soft Rot
Bacterial soft rot is a destructive plant disease caused primarily by bacteria from the genera Pectobacterium (formerly Erwinia) and Dickeya. These bacteria produce enzymes that break down plant cell walls, causing rapid and foul-smelling tissue decomposition. It mainly affects succulent tissues such as tubers, fruits, stems, and bulbs, being especially problematic in warm and humid conditions.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbol of passionate love, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. In Middle Eastern tradition, associated with paradise and eternal devotion.
Fun Facts
Tulipa agenensis is native to a vast region stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia.
Its characteristic black eye in the center of the flower inspired its common name "Sun's-Eye Tulip".
This wild tulip has been cultivated for over 400 years, making it one of the oldest tulip species in horticulture.
The species is winter-hardy down to -15°C, making it surprisingly cold-tolerant for a Mediterranean plant.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant Sun's-Eye Tulip bulbs?
Is Tulipa agenensis toxic to pets?
How often should I water the Sun's-Eye Tulip?
Can I grow Sun's-Eye Tulip in a container?
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