Additional Tulip Info

Heres a short piece Horticulture (Jan 02). The article was on heirloom
tulips, but they also included a sidebar on:

Getting Tulips to Last

For a start you need to be in USDA Zone 7 or colder. Next, keep them dry
in summer (as in their native homes). Try planting a few where you never
water - or near a thirsty tree - and see how well they return.

Beyond that, basics include well-drained soil, good sun, regular
fertilizing, and letting the foliage ripen to yellow. Some authorities
recommend deep planting (to 12 inches), especially in the South [South
meaning Z6 and 7], but 6 to 8 inches is usually deep enough [they do not
clarify whether from top or bottom of bulb].

Another age-old method involves digging them up every summer, storing
them in a cool, dry spot, and replanting them in fall.

Some varieties simply last longer such as the Single Earlies, Species,
Single Lates, and Lily-Flowered. In general, old varieties perennialize
better because they were bred for the garden rather than as commercila
pot flowers or for the cut flower trade, as most modern tulips have been.

Some of the Antique varieties listed in this article include: (an *
indicates tulips also listed by De Hertogh as long lasting)

Princess Irene (1949), Orange Favourite (1930), Generaal de Wet (1904),
Couleur Cardinal (1845), Lac van Rijn (1620), Black Parrot (1937), Blue
Amiable (1916), Clara Butt (1889), Demeter* (1932), Dillenberg* (1916),
Duc van Thols (1595), Electra (1905), Elizabeth Arden (1942), Fantasy
(1910), Golden Harvest (1928), Greuze (1891), Invasion (1944),
Keizerskroon (1750), Peach Blossom (1890), Philippe de Comines (1891),
Princess Elizabeth (1898), Red Emperor (1931), West Point (1943),
Zomerschoon (1620)

*******

A comment from another article:

Tulips should be planted at least 6-8 inches apart to avoid overcrowding
and competition for nutrients and sunlight, with the result that few or
none will be strong enough to flower again.

And a comment from me:

Just as in Perennial Plants, "perennial" does not necessarily mean
forever when it comes to bulbs. Some garden perennials do best when they
are dug and divided every 3 to 5 years. This holds true for many bulbs as
well, including a lot of tulips.

Kitty

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