Tulipa kaufmanniana “Water-lily tulip.” This early bloomer features creamy yellow flowers, streaked with red on the outside, and glowing a rich, joyful yellow at the center. Like all tulips, this gorgeous flower is a superb container plant. And like all the smaller, lower-growing tulips, it shows to particular advantage in rock gardens, near paths, or in patio or terrace pots for close-up viewing. In North Carolina, consider these lovely blooms as a beautiful Valentine’s Day present to yourself.