Single Early Tulips, Single Late Tulips, Double Early Tulips, Double Late Tulips, Peony Tulips, Lily-Flowering Tulips, Viridiflora Tulips, Kaufmanniana Tulips, Greigii Tulips, Darwin Hybrid Tulips, Triumph Tulips, Parrot Tulips, Fringed Tulips
Tulips, the quintessential symbol of spring, are among the most popular and beloved bulbs worldwide. Most gardeners reserve a special spot for these vibrant blooms, whether in garden beds or containers. Over 3,000 registered tulip varieties are categorized into fifteen groups based on their flower type, size, and blooming period.
Single Tulips are the classic tulips with six-petaled, cup-shaped flowers. They embody the traditional tulip silhouette and are prized for their simplicity and elegance. Their flowers open fully during the day, displaying vibrant, uniform colors ranging from pure whites and soft pastels to bold, rich reds and purples. The ‘Single’ designation refers to their single layer of petals, which creates a clean, uncluttered look.
Double Tulips, often called Peony Tulips, are characterized by their multi-layered petals that create a dense, ruffled bloom. These tulips mimic the appearance of peonies or roses, with a fullness that adds a luxurious touch to gardens. The flowers are large, often richly colored, and can be as wide as 10 inches (25 cm) across when fully open.
Their lush, heavy blooms are eye-catching but also make them more susceptible to wind and rain, so they thrive best in sheltered spots.
Fosteriana Tulips, also known as Emperor Tulips, are among the earliest tulips to bloom. They are noted for their large, wide-open flowers that can reach up to 5-10 inches (12-25 cm) in diameter when fully open. These tulips often have broad, sometimes striped leaves, which add additional ornamental value. Fosteriana Tulips are typically available in bold, bright colors like red, orange, and yellow, making them a vibrant addition to early spring gardens. They are excellent for naturalizing and some varieties are also fragrant, adding another layer of sensory appeal.
Kaufmanniana Tulips, also known as Waterlily Tulips, are distinguished by their star-shaped flowers that open wide in the sun, often lying nearly flat and resembling waterlilies. These tulips are among the earliest to bloom in the spring and are known for their bright, contrasting colors. The flowers open wide during the sunny hours of the day, providing an entirely different color effect than when closed. The change in shape and color from morning to afternoon adds dynamic interest to the garden.
Greigii Tulips are prized for their striking, often mottled or striped foliage, which adds interest to the garden even when the flowers are not in bloom. The flowers are large and bowl-shaped and typically appear in bold colors such as red, yellow, and white. These tulips bloom in early to mid-spring and are reliable perennials, often returning year after year. The combination of their vivid flower colors and dramatic leaves makes Greigii Tulips a standout choice for any garden.
These tulips were developed in the Netherlands by the esteemed Dutch breeder, Mr. D.W. Lefeber, who played a key role in their early development. He crossed the renowned Tulipa fosteriana ‘Madame Lefeber‘ (also known as ‘Red Emperor’) with various cultivars from the Darwin tulip group. This crossbreeding resulted in a series of tulips celebrated for their large, robust blooms and sturdy, long stems. These qualities have made them highly sought after as cut flowers, leading to extensive cultivation for this purpose. Their egg-shaped, single blooms, measuring up to 3 inches (8 cm) wide, are available in a broad spectrum of colors, including vibrant oranges, reds, yellows, and pinks, as well as varieties with speckled and striped petals. Among the best tulips for naturalizing, these varieties can bloom for up to five years.
Triumph Tulips are the largest group of tulips, known for their classic tulip shape and sturdy stems. These tulips bloom in mid to late spring, offering a wide range of vibrant colors and bicolored varieties. The flowers are typically cup-shaped and sit atop strong, medium-height stems, making them ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers. Triumph Tulips are also one of the best types for forcing, making them a popular choice for indoor displays.
Fringed Tulips are a distinctive group characterized by their finely incised petal edges, adding a delicate, lace-like texture to the blooms. These tulips originated as mutants from various other groups, which is why their heights and flowering periods can vary. However, the common feature among them is the unique fringed or serrated petal edges that catch the light beautifully.
Lily-Flowered Tulips are distinguished by their slender, graceful flowers with pointed, recurving petals that flare outwards, resembling lilies. These tulips have thin, delicate stems, making them more susceptible to wind damage. While they may require some protection from the wind, their elegant blooms make them a favorite for cut flowers and garden displays.
Parrot Tulips are whimsically shaped, unusually colored tulips that have been developed from mutations of late-flowering tulips and those in the Triumph group. These tulips are known for their serrated or fringed petals that twist and curl dramatically. As they mature, the flowers open wide, sometimes nearly flattening out, revealing their vibrant, often multi-colored petals. Parrot Tulips start off green as buds and gradually reveal brilliant colors as they open, resembling a parrot’s plumage.
Viridiflora Tulips are known for their unique petal coloring, which includes green stripes or flames on the back of the petals. These tulips have a cupped bloom shape, typically about 3 inches across (7 cm). Blooming in late spring, Viridiflora Tulips are often sought after by gardeners looking for something unusual. Their long-lasting blooms (up to 3 weeks) make them a fantastic choice for both gardens and vases.
Botanical Tulips, or Species Tulips, have a natural, wildflower-like appearance. These tulips stay low to the ground and often seem to be in flower as soon as they emerge from the soil. Known for their bright colors and natural look, they are real eye-catchers in early spring. Many varieties also have striped leaves, adding to their charm. Botanical Tulips are resilient, often unaffected by wind and weather, making them ideal for naturalizing and rock gardens.
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
Plant Type | Bulbs |
Plant Family | Liliaceae |
Genus | Tulipa |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
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 | Patio And Containers, Edging, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
Plant Type | Bulbs |
Plant Family | Liliaceae |
Genus | Tulipa |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
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 | Patio And Containers, Edging, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!