Plant of the Month

This species tulip is native to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, northern Iran and Afghanistan, where it grows on rocky hillsides.  In the trade, it goes under several synonyms, the most popular being Tulipa batalinii.  However, it also includes the "species" maximowiczii and afghanica.  From a bulb, arises a stem to 10-25 cm, topped with a solitary flower about 6 cm in diameter.  The flowers are typically red, but can vary from yellow, bronze to deep red. The foliage is narrow, grey-green,...