Troubleshooting
Tulipa 'Menton' problems — and how to fix them
Tulipa 'Menton' (Tulipa 'Menton') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae)
A fungal disease causing scorched, distorted leaves and spotted flowers in wet springs. Remove and destroy affected plants, avoid replanting tulips in the same spot, and ensure good drainage and air flow.
Bulb rot in wet soil
Heavy, waterlogged ground, especially over dormant summer, rots the bulbs. Plant in sharply drained soil or raised beds and avoid summer irrigation where bulbs rest.
Declining flowering after the first year
Hybrid tulips often bloom poorly in subsequent years. Plant deep, feed after flowering, allow foliage to die back fully, or treat as annuals and replant fresh bulbs each autumn.
Squirrels and rodents eating bulbs
Newly planted bulbs are frequently dug up. Protect with wire mesh over the planting area or interplant with bulbs animals dislike, such as daffodils.
Prevent tulipa 'menton' problems before they start
Most tulipa 'menton' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for tulipa 'menton' in general rather than its problems? Read the full tulipa 'menton' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Tulipa 'Menton' problems — FAQ
Why is my tulipa 'menton' tulip fire (botrytis tulipae)?
A fungal disease causing scorched, distorted leaves and spotted flowers in wet springs. Remove and destroy affected plants, avoid replanting tulips in the same spot, and ensure good drainage and air flow.
Why is my tulipa 'menton' bulb rot in wet soil?
Heavy, waterlogged ground, especially over dormant summer, rots the bulbs. Plant in sharply drained soil or raised beds and avoid summer irrigation where bulbs rest.
Why is my tulipa 'menton' declining flowering after the first year?
Hybrid tulips often bloom poorly in subsequent years. Plant deep, feed after flowering, allow foliage to die back fully, or treat as annuals and replant fresh bulbs each autumn.
Why is my tulipa 'menton' squirrels and rodents eating bulbs?
Newly planted bulbs are frequently dug up. Protect with wire mesh over the planting area or interplant with bulbs animals dislike, such as daffodils.