Tulipa linifolia, commonly known as Flax-Leaved Tulip, is a bulbous perennial herb that is deciduous in nature. It is native to rocky subalpine meadows and stony slopes of Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and northern Iran. The plant reaches a modest height of 20 cm (8 in) and is characterized by its narrow, wavy, sword-shaped leaves with distinctive red margins. The Flax-Leaved Tulip blooms in early to mid-spring, producing bowl-shaped, bright red flowers with blackish marks at the base of each petal, which are quite showy and attract pollinators.

The Flax-Leaved Tulip is valued for its striking red flowers and is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as a naturalizing plant in informal garden areas. It is also suitable for container planting, allowing for display on patios and balconies. This tulip species is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal water once established and thriving in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to part shade conditions. Popular cultivars include ’Bronze Charm’ and series such as Gem (’Bright Gem’, ’Red Gem’, and ’Salmon Gem’) and Jewel (’Apricot Jewel’, ’Yellow Jewel’), which offer a variety of colors. While generally pest-free, Tulipa linifolia can be susceptible to bulb rot if planted in poorly drained soils and may be affected by tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae), a fungal disease that causes spots and decay on leaves and flowers.CC BY-SA 4.0