GardeningNC, yup, tulips need a cold spell to bloom. Any of the later blooming ones will barely make it the first year. But the early varieties do better. I had Pink Impressions come back for five years last time I planted them (two houses ago in Cary). Then again, the squirrels and deer love eating tulips blossoms, too. I have a new set of earlies planted and their foliage is up with my early daffs, so got my fingers crosses.
Needed to Rant - DEER invaded!
Ill keep my fingers crossed for you!
Garden, I have tulips that have come up and multiplied here. I am right outside of Raleigh and should be in the same zone as you are. Someone told me years ago to plant them deeper than I had previously-at least 6 inches down. There are also some different kinds that are good for coming back. Rembrants, greggi tulips are some that will naturalize..maybe Darwins. I don't know if I'd give up on them quite yet.
Bev
This message was edited Mar 16, 2009 8:24 PM
I do not really care for tulips - have never even tried them... I just hear that they don't well here, and of course I see the ones that aren't doing well.