I've been as confused as AB about the term 'perennial' paired with tulips -- but I'm just south of the Skagit Valley which is a huge tulip growing area so I guess I am fortunate to have the right conditions for them. That said, I have very few tulips in my own beds, I suppose because I can just drive 10 minutes up the road and see masses of them when they are blooming (now). Pretty spectacular, as are Rita's.