This species was amongst the first discovered and brought to Europe and has since contributed to many other hybrids.
They are particularly distinguished by their flowers which have pointed petals which fully open up to become flat-faced when in full sun. A fully-opened Kaumanniana Tulip therefore tends to look more like a water lily than a tulip with the inside colour sometimes being dramatically different from the outside.
Being compact in height the are perfect for pots and tubs and will withstand a little more wind exposure than other taller varieties. Early blooming is another feature that has encouraged their popularity, especially in cooler climates where early spring can be bleak and colourless.