Umm, it probably doesn't exist (dependable tulips).

Botanical tulips have the reputation of being reliable year after year. They are smaller but just as pretty.

I never quite understood the rationale behind the terminology of "botanical" tulips :-) Since 'botanical' just means 'referring to plants', there is no such thing as a non-botanical tulip!! Or any other plant type.

Species tuiips would be a more appropriate appellation and one that is universally understood.

I can testify that every commonly available species tulip has failed to persist more than two years for me. They *may* persist, but they may not, do not count on it. I would recommend doing as I did, make a small planting and observe for a couple of years, then buy big if it is positive.

It depends on your soil and local microclimate. Tulips are mush for me in a year as my clay is inhospitable except for a few that never got the message. Those are taking a year (or five) off from blooming right now, though.

In my grandfather's garden, tulips persisted for decades and it seems they do for many in his area. I live several hours South of where he lived.

You've got great advice here, so I won't repeat it. I will add, if you are the friendly type, asking other gardeners in your area what their experience has been is probably the closest you will get to an answer before planting some yourself.

Yes, a lot depends on your soil and climate mdl.

Here are taken yesterday pics of Tulips growing from compost (the bulbs never give up!) in my edible garden. The clumps are getting bigger and, thanks to voles too, spread more and more each year (soon, I am afraid, I will have no room for my edibles there ;-)

I live in hardiness zone 5, as you do. My soil is sandy and very well-drained. My gardens are fully natural, a lot of organic materials added to the soil, no synthetic fertilizers and no -cides used. Like it is in Nature.