47 Different Types of Tulip Varieties For Your Flowerbeds

Thinking of adding some tulips to your flowerbeds this season? There are many different types of tulips to choose from, so picking just one or two can be a bit of a challenge! In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros looks at her favorite types of tulips to add to your flowerbeds this season!

A picture of several different tulip varieties all blooming at the same time. There are flowers in pink, red, and yellow all vibrantly blooming in the spring.

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With more than 3,000 varieties descended from roughly 100 species, the tulip family is extensive, diverse, and extremely colorful. Selecting a few tulips to grow in your own landscape can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to help get it right.

Before roaming the aisles at your local garden center, opening a nursery catalog, or clicking on a distributor’s web site, make sure you have a planting location in mind that will drain well and accommodate your tulips’ need for 6 hours of sun per day. Once you’re sure those requirements will be met, you can begin to sift through your options.

Familiarize yourself with the 15 classes of tulips, as they each have their own distinct profile and characteristics. Some groups are tall and bloom in early spring, while others are more compact and bloom a little later. Some groups are sturdy and can withstand harsh wind and rain, while others are a bit more delicate and might need some babying.

Once you’ve got a good handle on the kind of tulip you’re looking for, you’ll want to see pictures of some final contenders. To help you zero in on a cultivar or two to try, here are some of our favorite tulips with photos, growing requirements, and descriptions of each.

‘Acropolis’

Close-up of 'Acropolis' tulips blooming in the garden. A cup-shaped flower of bright pink color, consisting of three petals and three sepals. Flowers against the background of green stems and leaves of tulips.
‘Acropolis’ produces elegant, showy pink flowers that bloom in mid-spring.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Acropolis’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 2-3 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Blooms are elegant and rose colored on this Darwin category tulip. They open in mid spring atop long, willowy stems. Plant Acropolis in large quantities for a dramatic mass of red tulip blooms. Use it in mixed borders with grape hyacinth and yellow daffodil for a lovely balance of color and bloom time.

‘Aladdin’

Close-up of blooming 'Aladdin' tulips in a spring garden against a backdrop of blooming tulips. A cupped flower with six pointed crimson-red petals with a yellow border that curve into a goblet shape and flex outward at the ends to form the signature Lily-Flowered tulip shape. Stems are long and green.
‘Aladdin’ produces magnificent pointed crimson-red flowers with a yellow border on the petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Aladdin’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Aladdin has pointy, crimson red petals that are rimmed in yellow. They curve into a goblet shape and flex outward at the tips, in a signature, Lily-Flowered tulip shape. This cultivar pairs well with bright yellow, purple, and white blooming garden companions.

Stems are long and sway beautifully in the late spring breeze. Looks lovely in a mass planting. Also makes a nice cut flower and has a particularly long vase life.

‘Ancilla’

Close-up of 'Ancilla' blooming tulips in spring garden, top view. A cupped flower with six slightly pointed petals that appear pink on the outside with a yellow underside when closed, and when opened the petals are white with red lines and a yellow center, forming a 6-pointed star. The stems are green, short, reaching only 8 inches in height. Tulips have two thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant. Flowers illuminated by the sun.
‘Ancilla’ is a short tulip variety reaching only 8 inches in height.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Ancilla’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

A short stature tulip in the Kaufmanniana class, Ancilla maxes out at just 8 inches. When closed, bloom exteriors appear pink with yellow bottoms. When opened, petals appear white with red-lined, yellow centers and form a 6-point star.

One of this cultivar’s most striking features is its narrow, green foliage with wavy edges. Due to its flower shape and low spreading nature, Ancilla is often mistaken for crocus.

‘Annelinde’

Top view, close-up of the 'Annelinde' tulip flower in the spring garden. A cupped, double, peony-shaped flower consisting of soft pink petals with pink, white and yellow swirls. The center is yellow, there are six free stamens, and the three-lobed ovary is terminated by a sessile three-lobed stigma.
‘Annelinde’ blooms with delicate pink peony flowers with pink, white, and yellow swirls.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Annelinde’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

A peony-shaped, Double Late tulip, Annelinde’s petals are mostly pink with swirls of rose, white and yellow. Centers are rich, dark green. Leaves are variegated and rimmed with white.

Annelinde’s profile is charming and romantic. Blooms are large at roughly 4 inches across and susceptible to strong winds, so keep that in mind when planting.

‘Appeldorn’

Close-up of blooming bright red 'Appeldorn' tulips in a sunny garden. The flower heads are egg-shaped and 5 inches wide on average, the petals are blood red. The tulip has two or three thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant. Blurred floral background.
This particularly hardy cultivar has blood-red flowers with a bright yellow center.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Appeldorn’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Flowerheads are egg shaped and average 5 inches wide on this Darwin class tulip. Petals are blood red with hints of yellow, particularly in early blooming stages. Centers are bright yellow and encircled by prominent black anthers, giving Apeldoorn an ‘eye’ that makes it easy to recognize.

This is a particularly hardy cultivar known for putting up with wild swings in weather. It also has a reputation for returning reliably year after year.

‘Artist’

Close-up of two blooming 'Artist' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers, orange in color feathered with bright green in the middle. Foliage is a rich blue-green color with thin stripes and wavy edges.
This is an incredible variety that produces orange flowers feathered with bright green in the middle.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Artist’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Petals on this tulip are predominantly orange and gold in this Viridiflora category tulip, but also feathered with bright green in the middle. The resulting specimen is a unique flower that demands attention in the landscape.

Foliage is a rich blue/green with subtle striping and wavy margins. Stature is short at less than 1 foot, and bloom time is extra long.

‘Ballade’

Close-up of blooming 'Ballade' tulips in a spring garden. A glass-shaped tulip with two-tone, purple and white pointed petals, when opened it becomes star-shaped and cup-shaped with prominent yellow anthers in the center. Tulips have two or three thick bright green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant.
‘Ballade’ is a gorgeous glass-shaped tulip with purple and white bicolor petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Ballade’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

At dawn and dusk, Ballade is a stunning, goblet-shaped tulip with bicolor, purple and white petals. When open during the day, flowers become star-shaped and cup-like with prominent yellow anthers in their centers.

As a member of the Lily-Flowered class, this cultivar is a late bloomer with somewhat fragile stems. It should be located in areas that will not receive high winds.

‘Beauty Queen’

Close-up of blooming 'Beauty Queen' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers, pink with apricot feathers. The tulip has two or three thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant.
‘Beauty Queen’ produces beautiful cupped apricot flowers on sturdy stems.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Beauty Queen’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 10-18 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Predominantly salmon colored, but feathered with rose, pink, and apricot, Beauty Queen is a Single Early tulip that looks like it’s been painted by hand. Blooms are cup-shaped and about 3 inches wide. Stems are very strong.

This cultivar is particularly easy to force, should you be interested in trying your hand at that bulb-chilling, horticultural trick. It also makes a nice addition to the cutting garden since it has a particularly long vase life.

‘Belle du Monde’

Close-up of a gorgeous soft pink tulip ‘Belle du Monde’ against a backdrop of blooming tulips and green foliage. A cupped flower with 6 closed petals in pink and cream. The background is blurry.
This delicate tulip variety has a palette of pinks and creams that will make a great addition to your flower garden.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Belle du Monde’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 2-3 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

With a soft palette of pinks and creams blending together beautifully, Belle du Monde is one of the more romantic tulip varieties available. Its egg-shaped flowers sit atop extra long stems that max out at just under 3 feet.

Feature it in the cottage garden or in a mixed bed with other pinks and soft yellows. Make sure soil drains well, and this cultivar will return again for many years.

‘Burgundy’

Close-up of many blooming 'Burgundy' tulips in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers have thin, pointed, corrugated petals gracefully curved outward at the tops. The leaves are light sage and also curve outward at the tips.
‘Burgundy’ has deep purple flowers with thin, fluted and slightly outward curved petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Burgundy’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Blooms are a rich, royal purple hue on this Lily-Flowered tulip cultivar. Petals are slender and fluted, arching gracefully outward at the tops. Leaves are a light sage and also curve outward at their tips.

Burgundy is tall and sways beautifully in light breezes, but stems are fairly weak and petals may blow off in heavy winds. Plant them in an area that will give them some protection.

‘Candy Prince’

Close-up of blooming 'Candy Prince' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers, from light lilac to pale lilac with a yellow center. Tulips have two thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant. The background of blooming soft purple tulips is blurred.
‘Candy Prince’ produces incredible delicate flowers with light lilac to lavender petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Candy Prince’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

With pale, lilac to lavender petals and cheerful yellow centers, Candy Prince is a standout in the Single Early tulip class. Blooms contrast nicely with strappy, silver-green foliage and stems hold up well in the wind.

Use this cultivar in a tightly packed container planting for a soft, spring bouquet by the front door. Or work it in with other pastels of varying height.

‘Carnival De Nice’

Close-up of three rose-shaped 'Carnival De Nice' tulips in bloom in a garden. The bowl-shaped double blooms with off-white petals that are rippled with streaks of raspberry. The background of the blooming garden is blurred.
This variety of tulip resembles a rose in shape, has cup-shaped white flowers with crimson veins.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Carnival De Nice’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Resembling a rose in form and stature, this cultivar features bowl-shaped blooms with off-white petals that are rippled with streaks of raspberry. Flowers are roughly 3 inches in diameter and somewhat delicate, so locate them where they will be protected from harsh winds.

Leaves are a striking greenish-gray and variegated, with white stripes on their outermost edges. As Carnival has a strong presence in the landscape, pair it with less dominating, supporting spring bloomers for best effect.

‘Casa Grande’

Tulips ‘Casa Grande’ and Grape hyacinth blooming in the spring garden. Tulips have cupped flowers with silky tomato red petals that open during the day to reveal an intricate pattern in the center with four black hearts and yellow anthers sticking out. The foliage is grey-blue with a fine striped texture. Grape hyacinth have densely packed, dark purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers that resemble an elongated, inverted bunch of grapes.
‘Casa Grande’ produces magnificent flowers with silky tomato red petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Casa Grande’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This one features huge, bowl-shaped blooms with silky, tomato red petals. A member of the Greigii group, Casa Grande opens during the day to reveal an intricate center pattern with four black hearts and erect yellow anthers. Foliage is gray-blue with a subtle striped texture. Flowers are long lasting and slightly fragrant.

‘Curly Sue’

Close-up of three dark purple 'Curly Sue' tulips. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of 6 petals of dark purple color with tousled edges. The background of the green garden is blurred.
‘Curly Sue’ has dark purple flowers with fuzzy edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Curly Sue’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

With deep, dark purple blooms that appear shredded at the edges, Curly Sue is a member of the Fringed tulip classification. It has long, strong stems that hold flowers upright and wave gracefully in the wind.

Plant this cultivar with almost any rich-toned spring bloomer for a dramatic color scheme. Bring it inside just before it opens and it will last exceptionally long in a mixed arrangement.

‘Cynthia’

Close-up of blooming tulips ‘Cynthia’ in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers, which become star-shaped when opened, the petals are pointed. The inner petals are creamy yellow and the outer petals have a red center with creamy yellow edges. The background is slightly blurred.
This unusual variety of tulips has creamy yellow star-shaped flowers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Cynthia’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 10 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Interior petals are a creamy yellow, while exterior petals have red centers with creamy yellow margins. When closed, blooms are fluted and predominantly red with pointy tips. When open, flowers appear mostly yellow and star-shaped.

A member of the Botanical or Miscellaneous tulip classification, Cynthia maxes out at 10 inches and has narrow, strappy foliage.

‘Davenport’

Close-up of blooming 'Davenport' tulips in the garden. Cup-shaped flowers, petals have a crimson-red base and beveled yellow edges. The centers are also yellow when the flowers are fully open. There are six free stamens, and the three-lobed ovary ends in a sessile three-lobed stigma.
This showy tulip variety has bright crimson red petals with sheared yellow margins.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Davenport’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid/Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Petals on this Fringed group tulip have crimson red bases and sheared yellow margins. Centers are also yellow when blooms are completely open. Davenport has an exotic presence in the landscape and will draw attention to itself.

Pair it with other exotic forms for a wild spring display or make it a stand-out by planting it with tulip varieties that are less showy.

‘Exotic Emperor’

Close-up of three blooming white 'Exotic Emperor' tulips in the garden. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of double, creamy-white petals with bright green veins. Tulips have two or three thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant. The background is blurry.
‘Exotic Emperor’ produces double creamy white flowers streaked with bright green.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Exotic Emperor’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Stems are thick and strong on this early season bloomer. Exotic Emperor is a member of the Fosteriana tulip family and features double-form, creamy white petals that are streaked with vivid green.

Simple and classic in a large mass, this cultivar also complements most other double flower tulips with its monochromatic profile. Its sturdiness makes it a good choice for beds with some rocks or mixed terrain. And it lasts long after cutting.

‘Flaming Parrot’

Close-up of 'Flaming Parrot' tulips blooming in the garden. The flowers are intricately cupped, with a variegated yellow and red pattern gracing its ruffled, textured petals. The background is blurry.
The flowers of this type of tulip are whimsically shaped and have buttery yellow petals streaked with bright red.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Flaming Parrot’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

On this eye-catching, Parrot family tulip, buttery yellow petals are flamed with bright red streaks and fringed at the edges. Blooms are whimsically shaped and open dramatically during daylight hours. Flower heads are heavy and pull stems into a gracefully arching form.

Flaming Parrot is easy to grow and spreads easily in well-drained soil. Give it plenty of sunshine and plant in clusters or groups. Also grows well in mid-container arrangements, with lower spreading plants filling in beneath it and taller, more rigid varieties standing straight above it.

‘Formosa’

Close-up of a blooming 'Formosa' tulip flower surrounded by blooming yellow tulips in a garden. A cupped flower of 6 buttery yellow petals with Viridiflora’s signature green feathering at the center of each petal. The background is blurry.
‘Formosa’ produce yellow flowers with signature green feathering at the center of each petal.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Formosa’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Blooms are a soft, buttery yellow with Viridiflora’s signature green feathering at the center of each petal. Short stature and long bloom time make Formosa a good choice for sidewalk borders and formal massing, but the cultivar is equally at home in a casual mix with other spring bloomers.

Will last a long time in the garden or in a vase. This yellow flowering tulip works well on banks or slopes and tolerates a lot of rain.

‘Green Wave’

Close-up of two blooming 'Green Wave' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of large pink-purple petals with green and light pink veins. The edges of the petals are wavy and sheared. Blurred background of blooming tulips.
‘Green Wave’ blooms with large pink-purple flowers with green and pink veins on the petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Green Wave’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Green Wave features oversized, pink/purple petals with green and light pink streaks. Margins are wavy and sheared to create a whimsical profile. Stems are strong but petals may be vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

Use Green Wave in a mixed border with other pinks and purples or plant a whole bunch of them together. Lasts long in the garden and in the vase.

‘Greuze’

Close-up of a blooming 'Greuze' tulip surrounded by blooming tulips in a spring garden. The cup-shaped flowers, consisting of spade-shaped petals, are burgundy at the base and bright crimson at the ends. The background is blurry.
‘Greuze’ produces magnificent two-tone burgundy flowers with spade-shaped petals.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Greuze’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This unusual bi-color tulip features spade-shaped petals that are burgundy at the base and tipped with vibrant crimson. Flower heads are goblet in form and show more red when opened.

As a Single Late cultivar, Greuze is known for its strength, endurance, and multi-color profile. It makes a wonderful addition to the cutting garden and pairs well with other shades of red and purple.

‘Heart’s Delight’

Close-up of many blooming 'Heart's Delight' tulips in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers with smooth and straight, dark red petals with creamy white edges. They open during the day, revealing the yellow heart center. The foliage is dark green with vertical burgundy stripes and wavy edges.
‘Heart’s Delight’ is an early flowering cultivar with dark red petals with creamy white edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Heart’s Delight’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8-10 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Sleek and upright, the petals on this Kaufmanniana tulip are deep red with creamy white edges. They open during the day to reveal a yellow heart center. Foliage is sage green with vertical, burgundy stripes and wavy margins.

Heart’s Delight is an early bloomer that tolerates extreme conditions well. Use it in colder climates where spring temperatures can wreak havoc on more delicate tulip varieties. A short height (8-10 inches) and a fast-spreading habit make this one a good choice for naturalizing an area under a tree.

‘Hemisphere’

Close-up of seven blooming 'Hemisphere' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers with spade-shaped petals with a characteristic midrib. 4 flowers are crimson with white swirls and the other 3 flowers are white with pink swirls. The flowers are lightly powdered with pink freckles. Tulips bloom against the backdrop of green tulip foliage.
‘Hemisphere’ produces either predominantly raspberry flowers with white swirls or predominantly white with pink swirls.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Hemisphere’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Bloom colors vary subtly among members of this stunning cultivar. Spade-shaped with a distinctive mid-rib, petals might be predominantly raspberry with white swirls, or they might be predominantly white with pink swirls. Or they might be dusted lightly with freckles of one color or the other. For this reason, Hemisphere makes a lovely planting in a large mass.

Like all members of the Triumph tulip family, it blooms for a long time in mid spring and tolerates volatile weather conditions like a champ.

‘Ice Follies’

Close-up of 8 blooming 'Ice Follies' tulips against a black background. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of crum-white petals with cherry-red veins rising from the base with yellow centers. The petals of this tulip are single-layered and round in shape.
‘Ice Follies’ has creamy white flowers with cherry red veins.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Ice Follies’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Flowers on this mid season bloomer are creamy white with streaks of cherry red rising up from the base. Petals on this Triumph variety tulip are single layer and round in shape.

Centers feature bright green anthers that contrast with the red and white flowers to give off a distinct candy cane vibe. Ice Follies is easy to grow and often forced into early bloom for inclusion in holiday arrangements.

‘Ivory Floradale’

Lots of blooming yellow 'Floradale' tulips in spring garden. The flowers are creamy yellow with some darker and/or lighter variations and stripes. The egg-shaped flowers are 3-5 inches wide. From the center of the flower, 6 black stamens are visible, and the three-lobed ovary ends with a sessile three-lobed stigma. A lot of unopened flower buds among the green foliage.
‘Floradale’ blooms with creamy yellow ovoid flowers from mid-spring.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Floradale’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Blooms are creamy yellow with some darker and/or lighter variations and streaks. Egg shaped flowers are 3-5 inches wide and open in mid spring. Floradale mixes in well with other more flamboyant tulips as a neutral companion. It can also have a romantic presence in large groups or among other pale-hued spring flowers.

‘Light and Dreamy’

Close-up of many blooming 'Light and Dreamy' tulips surrounded by green foliage. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of lavender-colored petals that turn pink at the edges. The flowers are large, with light yellow bases that become more visible when opened. There are two or three thick bluish-green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant.
‘Light and Dreamy’ produces large, classic tulip-shaped flowers with lavender petals that turn pink at the edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Light and Dreamy’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This Darwin category cultivar has a classic, single flower tulip shape with lavender petals that fade to pink at their margins. Blooms are large and have light yellow bases that become more prominent when open.

Stems are long and sturdy, holding up well to the elements. Light and Dreamy is a cutting garden must-have due to its traditional shape and soft, complementary color scheme.

‘Linifolia’

Close-up, top view, many blooming tulips ‘Linifolia’ in the garden. Tulips have bowl-shaped flowers the color of ripe tomatoes, oval petals, black centers. The stems are short but strong. The foliage is narrow, grey-green.
‘Linifolia’ produces gorgeous bright tomato-colored flowers with black centers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Linifolia’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 4 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This unique tulip features bowl-shaped flowers the color of ripe tomatoes. Petals are oval and open completely when the sun is shining. Black centers give it an almost poinsettia-like profile. Stems are short but sturdy. Foliage is narrow and gray-green in hue.

One of the earliest tulips to bloom and a member of the Miscellaneous classification, Linifolia also grows well in gravel or rocky terrain. Its beauty, flexibility, and endurance make it a winner almost anywhere you plant it.

‘Mariette’

Close-up of many blooming 'Mariette' tulips in a spring garden. Lily-shaped satin pink flowers that curve outward. The petals are bright pink, turning into a soft peach closer to the edges.
‘Mariette’ blooms with satin-pink flowers with white centers and yellow motes.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Mariette’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Mariette is delicate and vintage in style, with satin pink tulip blooms that flex outward. Open flowers have white centers and yellow anthers, giving this simple beauty some contrast.

Mariette grows nicely alongside other pastel flowers, and looks stunning in clusters of 10 or more. Stems are slender and fragile, so plant them in middle borders or in locations that will not receive direct, sustained wind.

‘Miranda’

Close-up, top view of four blooming bright red 'Miranda' tulips in the garden. Miranda has a rose-like profile, flower heads are 4 inch, heavy, with several layers of ruby ​​red petals.
‘Miranda’ blooms with magnificent ruby-red double flowers, the petals of which are lined up in several layers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Miranda’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Robust and romantic, with several layers of ruby red petals, Miranda has a rose-like profile and presence in the landscape. When fully open, flower heads are 4 inches in diameter and so heavy that they often droop from their stems. This makes them wonderful companions to more upright, rigid tulip varieties in both beds and in vases.

This cultivar is a favorite in regions with extreme winters and late springs, as it holds up well in cold temperatures.

‘Mistress’

Close-up of a blooming Mistress tulip in a spring garden against a backdrop of blooming pink tulips and green foliage. The goblet flower has pale pink petals with dark purple stripes in the center of the petals. Dew drops are on the petals. The background is blurry.
‘Mistress’ produces pink goblet-shaped blooms that are great for growing in containers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Mistress’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid/Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

A simple tulip in the Triumph class, Mistress features petals that are such a pale pink, they are almost translucent. In goblet-shaped blooms, they overlap nicely to create subtle variations in color.

Plant this cultivar densely in a large container for a classic spring bouquet, or mix it in with other pastel bloomers. It will complement most palettes easily and/or support other more showy varieties.

‘Monsella’

Close-up of many 'Monsella' tulips in bloom in the garden. The flowers are double, peony-shaped, consisting of canary-yellow petals with red veins. Petals have a tousled appearance. The leaves are thin, long, green.
This tulip variety produces yellow peony-shaped flowers with red veins.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Monsella’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This striking, Double Early tulip has canary yellow petals with streaks of red. Resembling a peony in form, Monsella is unusual in that it sends up three blooms from each bulb, forming a nice bouquet above ground.

Flowers are very fragrant and reach widths of 4 to 5 inches. Stems max out at about 1 foot, making this one of the shorter cultivars.

‘Monte Carlo’

Close-up of 4 yellow 'Monte Carlo' tulips in bloom in the spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers with wide bright yellow petals, reminiscent of a peony flower. The stems are strong and short. The background is blurry.
‘Monte Carlo’ is a double tulip with broad yellow petals and a cupped shape flower.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Monte Carlo’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Cheerful and showy, with undeniable cottage charm, Monte Carlo is a Double Early tulip with broad yellow petals and a bowl-like shape that resembles a peony flower. Stems are sturdy and short, at less than 1 foot tall.

The cultivar holds up well in rain and strong winds. Flowers are roughly 3 inches wide and last long after cutting. Foliage is thin and strappy.

‘Montreux’

Close-up of four 'Montreux' tulips in bloom in a spring garden. Cup-shaped, double, peony-shaped flowers with creamy white petals arranged in several rows. Stems are strong and green.
‘Montreux’ blooms with double cream-colored flowers and has a sweet and light aroma.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Montreux’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Informal and romantic, Montreux has double flower blossoms in tones of cream with a hint of pink blush. Small in stature and early to bloom, this cultivar pairs well with other garden flowers in spring’s pastel palette. Stems are sturdy and vase life is long. Fragrance is sweet and light.

‘Orange Emperor’

Close-up of many blooming bright orange 'Orange Emperor' tulips in a spring garden. Cup-shaped flowers with orange petals and a ranunculus-shaped base. The centers are yellow, on the petals there are green stripes closer to the base.
This tulip variety produces showy bright orange flowers with a wonderful fragrance.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Orange Emperor’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Cheerful and showy, with vivid orange petals and a buttercup base, Orange Emperor blooms early to mid spring atop sturdy stems that can reach heights of 2 feet. Foliage is long, thin, and deep, dark green in color. As a Fosteriana category tulip, this cultivar will spread easily and has a wonderful scent.

‘Orange Princess’

Lots of blooming orange 'Orange Princess' tulips in the spring garden. The flowers are cup-shaped, double, peony-shaped with light orange petals with pink and red edges. The outer petals also have green stripes.
This fragrant variety of tulips produces light orange peony-shaped flowers with pink-red margins.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Orange Princess’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid/Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

This peony-flower shaped, double flower tulip features light orange petals that bleed into pink and red margins. Outer petals also have green streaks, which gives Orange Princess a unique profile.

Highly fragrant, this mid-to-late season bloomer works well in mixed borders with other pink, cream, and red flowers. Also makes a lovely cut flower and can grow well in containers. Flower petals and stalks are vulnerable to the elements, so plant near a wall or fence.

‘Parrot King’

Close-up of four blooming 'Parrot King' flowers in a spring garden. Cupped flowers, the petals are large, fringed and rounded, with gold, orange, pink and green flowers shimmering together.
It is a popular tulip cultivar for its unusual, fringed flowers with gold, orange, pink, and green colors bleeding together.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Parrot King’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Petals are large, fringy, and rounded with gold, orange, rose, and green colors bleeding together. This creates a tie-dye or feathered effect – a trait that belongs uniquely to tulips in the Parrot category.

Early buds are solid green and attractive, which makes Parrot King particularly popular for bouquets and displays. When exposed to the sun, petals open so wide they are almost flat. Colors may be negatively impacted by excessive cold and/or rain, so this cultivar fares better in drier, slightly more temperate climates.

‘Persian Pearl’

Close-up of three 'Persian Pearl' tulips in bloom in the garden. The flowers are small, cup-shaped, the outer side of the petals has a color from lilac to pink, and the inner part tends to purple. The flowers are open with bright yellow centers. The foliage is thin and long. The background is blurry.
‘Persian Pearl’ produces small purple flowers with bright yellow centers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Persian Pearl’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Petal exteriors are lilac to rose in color, while interiors lean toward magenta. When open, bright yellow centers create an eye effect and are attractive to pollinators. An early spring bloomer, Pearl is sturdy and short, at roughly 8 inches tall.

Use in the front row of a mixed spring border, or as a filler plant beneath taller tulip varieties. This cultivar will also tolerate some shade, so it’s a good choice for plantings under mature trees.

‘Pinocchio’

Lots of blooming 'Pinocchio' tulips in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of long, thin, pointed petals with red centers and white edges.
‘Pinocchio’ produces incredibly beautiful flowers with long and thin red petals and white edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Pinocchio’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 10 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

In this unique cultivar, petals are long and slender with red centers and white margins. When fully open, blooms will span 4 inches. When closed, they are tight and vertical, creating a candy stripe effect.

A member of the Greigii class, Pinocchio is short in stature and fills in nicely beneath its taller, spring blooming peers. If planted properly and maintained carefully, this cultivar will keep blooming for many years. It’s a good choice if you are hoping for a tulip that will return perennially.

‘Pretty Princess’

Lots of blooming 'Pretty Princess' tulips in a sunny garden. Cupped flowers composed of caramel pink petals with dramatic red to purple streaks curving from its base.
‘Pretty Princess’ produces gorgeous caramel pink flowers with dramatic red and purple streaks.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Pretty Princess’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Pretty Princess features a candy pink petal with dramatic red to purple streaks curling up from its base. As a member of the Rembrandt category, this tulip is descended from the diseased stock that gave tulips their unique markings, but modern cultivars are certified healthy.

Although it keeps a low profile at just around 1 foot tall, this cultivar does not hold up well in strong winds and does not have a particularly long lifespan. It’s a good choice for plantings that are intended to be annual in nature.

‘Queen of Marvel’

Top view, close-up of a single 'Queen of Marvel' tulip flower. The bright pink petals are cupped and have slightly wavy edges. The background is blurry.
This magnificent tulip variety produces bright pink flowers from early to mid-spring.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of Marvel’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Bright pink petals range in tone from cherry to bubble gum to cotton candy on this double form tulip. An early to mid spring bloomer, Queen of Marvel is also very fragrant. Its bright pink hues make it a nice companion for purple, white, and yellow flowers in the spring garden.

Stems are strong and long, at up to 2 feet. Use in mixed tulip displays or as a middle border plant. Long vase life makes Queen a nice addition to the cutting garden.

‘Queen of the Night’

Lots of blooming ‘Queen of the Night’ tulips in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers, consisting of dark purple petals, almost black.
‘Queen of the Night’ is a stunning tulip variety that produces deep purple, almost black flowers.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 2-3 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

A deep purple, Single Late tulip that shows almost black in low light, Queen of the Night is a stunner in late spring. Petals are rounded, incurved, and frequently tipped with hues of wine or burgundy.

With extra long stems and an extended bloom period, this cultivar mixes in well with other moody tulip shades. Plant in well-drained soil and give it ample sunshine, and Queen of the Night will not disappoint.

‘Red Emperor’

Many blooming 'Red Emperor' tulips in the sunny garden are covered with water drops. Long, cupped flowers with blood-red petals.
‘Red Emperor’ produces elongated, bright red flowers with a black base.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Red Emperor’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

One of the most well-known and universally admired tulip varieties, Red Emperor stands up straight in early to mid spring. A Fosteriana category tulip, this cultivar features extra long, blood red petals that open during the day to reveal a black base.

Foliage is bright green and classic, and stems are particularly sturdy. This cultivar looks nice waving above shorter spring plantings or clustered together in large groups.

‘Spring Green’

Lots of blooming 'Spring Green' tulips clustered in a small bush in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers, consisting of snow-white, slightly ruffled petals. A vibrant, invigorating pattern of green feathers marks the outer centers of each petal.
Spring Green’ blooms with snow-white flowers with green feather patterns on the outer center of each petal.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Spring Green’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Pristine, snow white blooms rise from sturdy stems on this Viridiflora tulip. A bright, invigorating green feather pattern marks the exterior centers of each petal, making this one a particularly attractive addition to the landscape.

Spring Green will bloom for up to 3 weeks on strong stems, making it one of the longest-lasting cultivars. Its unique profile and neutral coloring make it a good companion for almost any other plant.

‘Swan Wings’

Close-up of two snow-white 'Swan Wings' tulips in bloom against a backdrop of blooming white tulips and green foliage. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of pure white petals with frayed edges that resemble feathers.
This variety produces the purest white tulips with frayed, feather-like edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Swan Wings’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid/Late Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

One of the purest white tulips ever cultivated, Swan Wings features crisp, bright petals with frayed edges that resemble feathers. Strong and tall atop 2 foot stems with bright green foliage, this variety has a dramatic impact when planted in large groups.

Swan Wings can also be planted close together in a pot or container to create a ready-to-go bouquet. Or mixed with other spring bulbs like crocus, hyacinth, and daffodils in a colorful bed or border.

‘Winnipeg’

Close-up of many blooming 'Winnipeg' tulips clustered in a small bush in a sunny garden. Cup-shaped flowers, consisting of red-pink pointed petals with orange edges. Tulips have strong stems and two or three thick green leaves that are clustered at the base of the plant. In the background, daffodils bloom in the spring garden.
‘Winnipeg’ produces gorgeous bright red-pink flowers with orange edges.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Winnipeg’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 8 inches to 1 foot
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Winnipeg is one of the few tulip varieties that produces multiple flowers per bulb. In mid spring, you can expect each to send up a bouquet of 3-5 blooms with cup shaped flowers and pointed petals that are both yellow and bright red.

A Greigii tulip, Winnipeg is relatively short in stature and fills in nicely beneath other varieties. Foliage is mottled and a light sage color, which makes for a nice container display as well.

‘Yellow Purissima’

Lots of blooming 'Yellow Purissima' tulips in a sunny garden surrounded by green foliage. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of canary-pink petals veined to a darker or lighter yellow.
‘Yellow Purissima’ produces single-layered yellow flowers with veined petals in a darker or lighter yellow.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Yellow Purissima’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 1-2 feet
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

A traditional tulip in form, this cultivar features single layer, canary yellow petals with streaks of either darker or lighter yellow flaming up from the base. A Fosteriana category tulip, yellow purissima blooms open during the day and close up at night. They can also tolerate a bit more shade than your average tulip variety.

These tulips last for up to three weeks in the yard, and have long, strong stems. Cut them and bring them inside just before they open, and they will also last long in a vase.

‘Yokohama’

Lots of blooming 'Yokohama' tulips in a sunny garden surrounded by green foliage. Cup-shaped flowers consisting of golden-yellow petals are pointed and slightly curved inwards. Lots of unopened buds. One red tulip among the yellow tulips in the garden.
‘Yokohama’ blooms with golden yellow flowers with petals pointed and slightly curved inward.
Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Yokohama’
  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Plant Size: 16 inches
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Bloom Time: Early/Mid Spring
  • Plant Zone: 3-8

Blooms are a rich, golden yellow on this Single Early form tulip. Petals have a unique, pointed shape and curve slightly inward. Foliage is blue-green and also pointed, mimicking the bloom form to nice effect.

Mix in with reds and dark purples for a vivid spring palette. Plant enough so that you won’t miss a few if you cut them and bring them inside, as they make for a lovely table display.

Final Thoughts

Once your selections have been made and your bulbs have been acquired, get out there in the fall and start digging some holes. Amend the soil with organic material to ensure proper drainage, plant bulbs about twice as deep as their height (pointy side up!), and keep them moist but not soggy until the ground freezes. Let your tulips have a good long nap during the winter months, and be ready for them to wake you up in spring with an invigorating display of color and form!

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