T. humilis is a variable miniature tulip that has survived for centuries in the Zanjan region of northern Iran. The color can be pink, mauve, white, red and sometimes incredible hues of salmon-orange or even purplish blue. T. humilis and the other plants of this region need to grow and bloom in a hurry. Snowmelt and spring rains are succeeded by bone dry summers. In July, the average rainfall is just 3.6mm, less than a fifth of an inch.