Sorry, your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly.

Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer. Please download their replacement Edge or another modern browser such as Chrome, Safari or Firefox. This site will not be fully functional using Internet Explorer.

Don’t tiptoe through these tulips!

News release
12 August 2021
Cape tulip flower

Cape tulip was introduced from South Africa to Australia 150 years ago as a garden plant, but it is now a widespread and declared weed that invades agricultural lands and areas of native vegetation.

To prevent the spread of Cape tulip, it is crucial that control measures are taken as early as possible during winter prior to it flowering in spring as this plant can reproduce both by seed and corms (bulbs), which can remain dormant for many seasons.

Seed is spread by wind, water, stock and even by hay transported from infested paddocks. Both the corms and the seed can be dispersed in contaminated soil or mud by farm machinery.

Large infestations of the weed are best treated with herbicide applied through a boom sprayer, hand-line or weed wiper, while individual plants can be hand-wiped or spot sprayed with herbicide, or physically dug out.

Don’t tiptoe through these tulips!

Staff from the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board are happy to advise landholders on the best control methods and can be contacted at Mount Barker 8391 7500 or Willunga 8550 3400.

Cape tulip field

More information

Communications Coordinator

0417975597

abigail.thomas@sa.gov.au