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Double Late Tulips

Double Late Tulips, also known as Peony Tulips, bring a burst of opulence to the garden with their lush, multi-layered blooms and vibrant colors

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Double Late Tulips or Peony Tulips are a stunning choice for gardeners looking to add bold, late-season color to their landscapes.

Characteristics of the Double Late or Peony Tulips

Flowers: Double Late Tulips are distinguished by their lush, multi-layered petals that create a full, ruffled appearance reminiscent of peonies or roses. These tulips boast large, showy blooms that often reach 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, making them a dramatic addition to any garden. The dense, double flowers are packed with petals, giving them a voluminous and luxurious look that stands out among other tulip varieties. This lavish petal structure also contributes to their extended bloom time, as the tightly packed petals protect the flower from weather damage.

Color Range: These peony tulips are available in a stunning array of colors, from soft pastels like blush pink, cream, and lavender to bold and vibrant shades such as deep red, bright yellow, and even bicolored combinations. Some popular cultivars include ‘Angelique,’ with its soft pink, rose-like blooms, and ‘Blue Diamond,’ known for its striking, purple flowers.

Bloom Time: As their name suggests, Double Late Tulips bloom later in the spring, usually from late April through May, following the earlier tulip varieties. Their late blooming period ensures that the garden remains vibrant and colorful well into the spring, bridging the gap between early spring bulbs and the onset of summer perennials.

Size: Peony tulips typically grow 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm), making them taller than many other tulip varieties. Their height and large, double blooms make them a striking presence in the garden.

Stem Strength: While many Double Late Tulips have strong stems, those with particularly large or dense flowers might occasionally struggle to stay upright, especially in wet or windy weather.

Where to Use These Peony Tulips

Angelique Tulip, Tulip Angelique, Peony Tulips, Double Tulips, Pink TulipsTulip ‘Angelique’

Garden: Peony Tulips are perfect for adding a touch of luxury and drama to garden beds and borders. Their tall stature and large, showy flowers make them ideal for the middle or back of borders, where they can create a stunning backdrop for other spring flowers. When planted en masse, they create a spectacular display of color and texture, especially when combined with other tulip varieties or complementary plants like alliums or late-blooming perennials.

Container Planting: Peony Tulips are also well-suited for container planting due to their height and impressive blooms. They can be grown in large pots or planters, where their striking flowers can be showcased to full effect. Containers allow for versatility in placement, letting gardeners move the tulips to prominent locations during their peak bloom. This flexibility makes them great for adding color to patios, balconies, or entryways.

Cut Flowers: Peony Tulips are excellent for use as cut flowers, thanks to their long stems and lush, double blooms. Their peony-like appearance adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to floral arrangements. When cut at the right time, their blooms in a vase can last for several days to a week, making them a popular choice for springtime floral displays.

Companion Planting: Peony Tulips pair beautifully with other late-blooming spring bulbs, such as alliums, and perennials, like bleeding hearts or columbines, that emerge in late spring. Their tall stems and large flowers allow them to stand out among other plants, creating a layered, textured look in the garden.

Toxicity

Tulips are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain toxic compounds known as tulipalin A and tulipalin B. These substances are found throughout the plant but are most concentrated in the bulbs.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Tulipa
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late),
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" (10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

Most beautiful Double Late or Peony Tulips

Planting and Growing Peony Tulips

Peony tulips are as easy to grow as they are beautiful, but there are some specific considerations to keep in mind to ensure they thrive in your garden.

Planting Time

Tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall, typically 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes. This timing allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter, ensuring a strong start for spring growth.

Soil and Site Selection

  • Well-Drained Soil: Peony tulips prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting them in heavy clay soils that retain moisture, which can lead to bulb rot.
  • Full Sun: These tulips do best in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny spot will help them produce strong stems and vibrant blooms.
  • Sheltered Location: Because of their large, delicate flowers, peony tulips should be planted in a location sheltered from strong winds, which can damage the blooms.

Planting Depth and Spacing

  • Planting Depth: Plant peony tulip bulbs at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), with the pointed end facing upwards. This depth helps protect the bulbs from temperature fluctuations and stabilizes the tall stems.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to give them room to grow and ensure good air circulation.

Watering and Fertilizing

  • Watering: Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help them establish roots before winter. In spring, water the tulips regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting the bulbs in the fall and again in the spring as the tulips begin to grow. This will provide the nutrients they need to produce large, vibrant flowers.

Care After Blooming

  • Deadheading: Once the flowers have finished blooming, remove the spent blooms to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. This will help the bulb store energy for next year’s growth.
  • Allow Foliage to Die Back Naturally: Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and withers. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season.

Recommended Companion Plants

Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy)
Narcissi (Daffodils)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)
Erythronium (Trout Lily)
Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower)
Camassia (Camas)

Garden Examples

A Fabulous Border with Double Late Tulips
A Fabulous Duo: Tulip ‘Carnaval de Nice’ & Tulip ‘Blue Diamond’
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Tulipa
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late),
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 4" (10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Tulipa (Tulip)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tulipa (Tulip)
Guides with
Tulipa (Tulip)

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