Double Late Tulips

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

Tulip ‘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.