Tulipa kolpakowskiana

The first of the dwarf species tulips to flower in the garden here this year. It is native of Central Asia, found in Uzbekistan, Turkestan, Kyrgyzstan, & Afghanistan from northern Tien Shan to southern Ala Tau. Well drained soil and a sunny position suit it well. No need to lift the bulbs in summer.

Bright, sunshine yellow inside, I like the contrasting outer surface of the petals, caught this morning in the early brightness .... just as the rain began!

Good news if you want to grow it, unlike many of the flowers I share here, this one can be obtained cheaply through the horticultural trade :-)