Grow your Garden Magazine 'The Tulip Edition'

Want to learn all about tulips? You’re in the right place. This tulip editorial will show you the ropes, from the different varieties you can grow to how you grow them! Perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, or simply for lovers of all things tulips. Have a flick through, who knows what

Our Tulip Varieties

We sell a range of gorgeous tulip varieties for you to explore. If you’re new to the world of tulips, then let this be your guide.

Shop All Our Tulip Varieties Here

Darwin Hybrid

Darwin Hybrid tulips are a gorgeous crossbreed, producing colourful blooms and an enticing fragrance.

Double Early

Double Early Tulips have a likeness to peonies. Perfect for an early-flowering display that’s full of interest.

Double Late (Peony)

Similar to the Double Early tulip, Double Late tulips closely resemble peonies due to their double rows of petals.

Fosteriana

With long stems and a broad selection of vibrant colours, this species is an ideal spring pick.

Fringed

Fringed tulips grow tufted petals in a broad range of colours, creating a cheerful display.

Greigii/Kaufmanniana

Kaufmanniana and Greigii tulips appear earlier in spring than most species.

Lily Flowering

Lily flowering tulips, or ‘fluted tulips’, are slender flowers with pointed and curved petals.

Multi-headed Praestans

Multi-headed and Praestans tulips are often used in bouquets, growing double blooms per stem.

Parrot

Parrot tulips are so-called because of their exotic, fringed petals and unique colours.

Rembrandt

Rembrandt tulips are a bicoloured variety that are wellknown for their exciting mix of colours.

Single Early

Single early tulips are amazing early spring bedding plants as they are some of the earliest tulips to bloom.

Single Late

Commonly known as Cottage tulips, single lates are known for their large and attractive flower heads.

Species

These unique tulips are perfect for growing in rockeries, borders, and beds, thanks to their compact size.

Triumph

Triumph tulips are sturdy and can withstand strong and unpredictable weather conditions that come with spring.

Viridiflora

Viridiflora tulips are often considered one of the most elegant and stylish bi-coloured tulips.

Our Varieties by Type

Tulip Collections & Companion

Our tulip bulb collections are perfect for adding lots of colour for less. Ideal for gardeners who are starting their first garden and are unsure which varieties complement each other, or for experienced gardeners looking for a more cohesive aesthetic.

Tulip Mixtures

Tulip mixtures are perfect for adding colour to your garden, and saving money as you go. Each of our tulip mixtures is perfect for planting in your beds, borders, or containers for the ultimate display throughout spring.

Our RHS Award Winning Tulips are must-haves for tulip enthusiasts across the country. These are all tulips that have won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit for their performance.

Tulips by Colour

If you’re planning a garden display that has a specific colour scheme, then shopping for our tulips by colour makes the job entirely easier. You can explore our range online today.

White Tulips

Yellow Tulips Pink Tulips

Purple Tulips Red Tulips

RHS Award-Winning Tulips

Orange Tulips

Our Tulip Bulbs

Top-quality & Supersaver Bulbs

J. Parkers always supply top quality bulbs to guarantee excellent flowering performance. The Duiker-Parker family have been associated with growing or trading bulbs over 200 years and quality is our number one priority. Bulbs are counted into breathable bags and carefully picked and packed.

When Will They Flower

Early Tulips

These early flowering varieties can bloom as early as March and last through to April - giving you a good few weeks of colour. Single early and double early varieties are great options for an early tulip display.

Late Tulips

Late tulips are perfect for bridging the gap between spring and summer. These blooms will typically appear in late April, flowering through to May. Parrot tulips and lily-flowering varieties are the most notable of late bloomers, as well as the impressive double-late varieties that resemble peonies!

Mid-Season Tulips

Mid-season tulips are the middle child of tulip varieties. Although they should be planted at the same time as other types, they’ll bloom from mid-spring (April to May). A few of our favourite mid-season varieties include the gorgeous Triumph tulips and Darwin hybrids.

Pick & Mix on Tulips!

How it works...

Interested in our pick-and-mix Tulip offer?

Simply buy any 5 packs of 10 Bulbs and then get the cheapest pack FREE. The promotion is not limited per order, for an even bigger saving you could order 15 packs of 10 Bulbs and then get the cheapest 3 packs FREE.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get growing!

When to Plant Tulips

These popular spring flowers have been loved for centuries due to their bright colours and attractive patterns, as well as their versatility and resilience.

For best results, plant tulip bulbs from mid to late autumn. However, they can be planted successfully up to January, so if you forget to plant them then just get them in the ground as soon as you can.

In fact, planting later in the season can stop the bulbs from catching diseases like tulip fire as the cold weather will kill fungal and viral diseases.

• If you receive your bulbs early in the season and prefer to plant them later, then store them in a cool dry place such as a shed or garage.

• Most Tulip bulbs are frost-hardy. If you live in colder climates and are concerned, place some mulch on the top of the soil to keep the bulbs warm.

Planting Calendar

Average Planting time: September - December

Top tips for Planting Tulips

• If you receive your bulbs early in the season and prefer to plant them later, then store them in a cool dry place such as a shed or garage.

• Most Tulip bulbs are extremely hardy. If you live in colder climates and are concerned, place some mulch on the top of the soil to keep the bulbs warm.

How to Plant Tulips

Borders

Step 1.

Dig a hole that’s wide enough to fit the bulb - at least 2-3 times the bulb’s depth. If planting in groups, dig a trench instead of individual holes at the same depth.

Step 2.

Add bonemeal/horticultural grit (or spent compost) to the bottom of the hole. This will help the bulbs to grow healthily.

Step 3.

Pop each bulb into its hole, pointed side up. Space each bulb twice its width apart.

Step 4.

Cover with soil and pat down.

Quick Tip

When in doubt, plant them deeper! This can help when growing taller tulips as it helps to anchor them into place without needing extra support as they grow.

Containers

Step 1.

Before planting your tulips in pots and containers, take the size of your container into consideration. Each bulb should have enough space to grow, especially since tulip foliage gets quite bushy.

Step 2.

Tulips also need plenty of drainage, so ensure the pot has drainage holes. This will help to release the water from the soil, preventing bulb rot or waterlogging.

Step 3.

To plant in a pot, fill it with any multipurpose compost halfway. Space the bulbs on top of the soil, about 5cm apart. Cover them with soil, patting down gently.

Quick Tip

For a full container display, plant two or even three layers of bulbs in one pot. This works well when growing both early, mid, and late varieties, as when one dies back, the other will then grow. This method is also known as a ‘bulb lasagne’. To plant, place a layer of early bloomers at the bottom, mid-flowering varieties in the middle, and later flowering tulips at the top. Give each layer 3-4 inches of space, covering with soil as you go. (For more information, see page 28).

The Unique History of Tulips

Tulips have been around for centuries, and for many gardeners, they are an integral part of the spring display. The variety they offer to the modern garden is unrivalled, so it’s no surprise to find out that they are among some of the top-rated spring bulbs within the gardening community.

But, did you know that at one point in history they were used as currency? Or that they were so popular that people would steal them from people’s gardens?

The Origin of the Tulip

Tulips, known for their Netherland roots, actually originated from areas of Central Asia, such as Turkey and Kazakhstan. Regarded as a native wildflower, the tulip was still a respected and beloved bloom that was considered a symbol or sign that spring had begun. These flowers could withstand blistering hot weather and sub-zero temperatures in winter, allowing them to reappear each year.

Even the tulip’s botanical name ‘Tulipa’ was derived from the Turkish language. According to tulip lore, sultans would use a single tulip as the finishing touch to their outfits. They would place the tulip in the fold of their turban, which is apparently where the name ‘Tulipa’ originates from.

Tulipomania in the 17th Century

In the late 16th to early 17th century, tulip mania had spread like wildfire in many Dutch towns. It’s important to note that tulips were being grown by rich botanists as it was a fashionable pastime, as the bulbs were hard to come by and extremely expensive.

However, Clusius was among the first to grow tulips in private gardens and was obsessed with tulips in his later life, studying their habits year after year. He was rather taken with the way they seemed to suddenly break. What was once a striking yellow tulip would appear the following spring with red stripes and blotches.

Of course, now we know that this was due to a virus or disease, usually something called ‘Tulip Fire’, but back then Clusius was none the wiser. In fact, these diseased blooms were considered unique – and people paid through the nose to get their hands on them.

The Journey from Asia to Europe

One Sultan would give his guests bouquets of tulips whenever they popped round, usually when he held a party. One guest, in particular, is the reason why the Netherlands are known for their tulip gardens even today.

His good friend, Carolus Clusius, was a French botanist and had a long CV history of working in gardens for emperors. Eventually, he became a professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where he planted his first tulip. This was the start of the Dutch tulip industry.

He noticed one day that the people of Leiden were stealing tulips from his garden. Obviously, he wasn’t impressed, but this was just the start of what would soon be known as ‘Tulipomania’.

Ten Bulbs for One House, please!

The popularity of tulip bulbs got slightly out of hand. Botanists had started to race each other in a game of who could make as many hybrid flowers as possible to get unique markings and shapes. These are now known as ‘cultivars,’ which is how we distinguish the different varieties of tulips today.

Prices for these bulbs soared. At first, botanists were simply giving their cuts and bulbs away to their friends, but as the legend of these striking blemished flowers started to reach people outside their networks, suddenly these botanists were getting requests for their stash. This is when they realised they could sell them to make a profit – which they did.

As the trade for bulbs grew, it allowed the average person to get a bit of the action. It’s said that these bulbs were being sold for ten times the average working man’s salary. Suddenly, not only were the rich able to buy and exchange them for money, but even tradespeople were making some serious cash from their exchanges.

It’s said that at the pinnacle of this tulip boom, the bulbs were worth more than ‘a smart townhouse in Amsterdam’. This is when people realised the value of these bulbs, making exchanges for material items more common. In 1633, fistfuls of bulbs were traded for actual houses. Tulips had started to become a source of income.

The Demise of the Tulip Boom

As if overnight, the demand for tulip bulbs vanished. This was hugely down to the fact that the average person couldn’t afford even the cheapest of tulips, making them inaccessible. Many historians consider this among one of the first financial catastrophes, as it left many in debt which people struggled with for years after.

Even though they were now worth less than a tenth of their normal price, the Dutch never forgot about their love for tulips. It took a few years while the pain of this boom dissipated, but eventually, tulips could be seen in paintings and portraits once again.

Out of the Ashes

Today, the Netherlands is still the world’s biggest producer of tulips, selling and exporting over three billion bulbs each year. Staying true to its historic roots, Amsterdam even has a tulip museum that takes you through the rise and fall of the tulip throughout history.

Even though the tulip was worshipped like an Egyptian cat, today they take their rightful place in spring displays across the world. Whether you’re a lover of the classic tulip or prefer something a bit showier, there’s certainly a tulip to suit everyone’s taste thanks to the Dutch!

“

Botanists had started to race each other in a game of who could make as many hybrid flowers as possible to get unique markings and shapes.

DarwinHybrid Tulips

If you plan on planting any tulips this spring, then make it a Darwin Hybrid! They’re reliable, resilient, and gorgeous. These unique tulips are a mixture of single late and early emperor tulips, producing large and colourful blooms for the mid-spring garden.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Loves the Sun

Mature

Height: 60cm

Mature Spread: 20cm

Vibrant Colours

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Darwin Tulips Mixed

Darwin-Hybrid Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Red Impression’

Tulip ‘Purple Pride’

Tulip ‘Light and Dreamy’

Tulip ‘Esmee’

Tulip ‘Apeldoorns Elite’

Tulip ‘Triple A’

Tulip ‘Pink Impression’

Tulip ‘Apricot Impression’

Tulip ‘Tropical Impression’

Tulip ‘Olympic Flame’

Tulip ‘Cream Cocktail’

Tulip ‘Daydream’

Darwin Hybrid tulips are some of the most popular tulips on the market. Known especially for their long stems, attractive shapes, and superb colours.

Tulip ‘Apeldoorn’

Tulip ‘Fostery King’

Tulip ‘World Peace’

Tulip ‘Mystic Van Eijk’

Tulip ‘Blushing Apeldoorn’

Tulip ‘Golden Apeldoorn’

Tulip ‘Beauty of Apeldoorn’

Tulip ‘Ollioules’

Tulip ‘Pink Sound’

Tulip ‘Apricot Pride’

Tulip ‘Hakuun’

Tulip ‘Salmon Van Eijk’

Tulips to Know & Grow This Spring!

Tulip bulbs are a must for a colour-filled Spring display. With hundreds of cultivars to choose from, there’s certainly no limit to your options.

Our new spring range now houses a selection of gorgeous tulips – all of which can add effortless colour to your displays for months on end. Here are just a few of our faves from our new season drop that we know you’ll love!

Darwin-Hybrid

Darwin-Hybrid tulips are a unique mix of both Darwin and Fosteriana tulips, creating this premium variety that’s known to produce some of the biggest blooms on the market.

Parrot

Parrot tulips are some of the most intriguing varieties that you can buy. Their fluffy petals are their signature trademark, twisting this way and that to create an exciting display.

Triumph

As one of the largest ranges we sell, Triumph tulips are exactly what you imagine tulips to be – impressive! Also known as mid-season tulips due to their flowering from mid-spring.

Double

Whether they’re for the early or late spring display, Double tulips pack a punch! Instead of six petals, the average tulip has, Double Tulips produce double the rows of petals, creating this pompom ball shape that’s entirely unique to the tulip species.

Greigii/Kaufmanniana

Greigii and Kaufmanniana tulips are perfect for any garden display due to their wide variety of colours and compact size. Perfect for growing in pots or at the front of the border – especially as many grow more than one flower per bulb.

Perfect Planting Companions

Tulips are the herald of spring, pinpointing the exact moment the seasons change and spring flowers grace us with their bright colours and tantalizing scents. Yes, tulips are lovely for spring gardens. But what should you plant with them?

Most spring bulbs can be partnered with tulips! From muscari to cyclamen, daffodils to anemones, there’s no limit to the designs you can create in your spring garden. Here are a few examples to give you inspiration.

Muscari

Bluebells

Snowdrops

Anemones Cyclamen

Double Early Tulips

A sturdy flower, naturally prepared for our classic British springtime weather. Sporting their famous puffy heads and dazzling colours, it’s easy to see why they’re a gardener’s favourite. Offering an attractive blanket of colour when bloomed, Double Early Tulips have a similar likeness to peonies.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Spring Flowering

Mature

Height: 40cm

Mature Spread: 120cm

Vibrant Colours

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip Double Early Mix

Double Early Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Monte Carlo‘

Tulip ‘Verona’

Tulip ‘Double Flag’

Tulip ‘Showcase’

Tulip ‘Peach Blossom’

Tulip ‘Fantasy Lady’

Tulip ‘Foxy Foxtrot’

Tulip ‘Palmyra’

Tulip ‘Silk Road’

Double Early Tulips are dazzling and full of life. Perfect for growing a gorgeous garden en-masse, whether that’s within the flower bed or in a container (or two... or three!).

Tulip ‘Largo’

Tulip ‘Mondial’

Tulip ‘Columbus’

Tulip ‘Monte Orange’

Tulip ‘Flaming Margarita’

Tulip ‘Monte Snow’

Tulip ‘La Belle Epoque‘

Tulip ‘Foxtrot’

Tulip ‘Queen of Marvel’

Meet our RHS Gardener

Our RHS-qualified gardening expert, Hannah, is our goto person for all things plants! She gives her top tips on how to grow and care for your favourite plants.

With a keen eye for design and seasonal planting, Hannah shows us how to grow a glorious display depending on the season.

A bulb lasagne is the best way to grow your favourite seasonal bulbs in a compact space. The process of planting a bulb lasagne is easy – simply plant two or three layers, one for each bulb. Watch Hannah’s video for an in-depth how-to.

Bulb Lasagne Planting

Watch: Bulb Lasagne Planting

Double Late Tulips

Double Late tulips closely resemble peonies due to their doubled rows of petals. This tulip makes a great addition to any flowerbed come spring. Due to them flowering so late in the season, they make a great addition to your beds as they last longer in your bedding display.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Spring Flowering

Mature

Height: 55cm

Mature Spread: 15cm

Vibrant Colours

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Blue Wow’

Double Late Tulips by Colour

These gorgeous double ruffled blooms come in a range of striking colours! Take your pick.

Tulip ‘Purple Princess’

Tulip ‘Black Hero’

Tulip ‘Purple Peony’

Tulip ‘Sunlover’

Tulip ‘Yellow Pomponette’

Tulip ‘Beauty of Apeldoorn’

Tulip ‘Canyon’

Tulip ‘Red Princess’

Tulip ‘Uncle Tom’

Tulip ‘Crème Upstar’

Tulip ‘Vogue’

Tulip ‘Finola’

Tulip ‘Carnaval De Nice’

Tulip ‘Orange Angelique‘

Tulip ‘Angelique’

Tulip ‘Blue Wow’

Tulip ‘White Valley’

Tulip ‘Orange Princess’

Tulip ‘Blue Diamond’

Tulip ‘Estatic’

Tulip ‘Dance Line’

Tulip ‘Copper Image’

Tulip ‘Mount Tacoma’

Tulip ‘Shirley Double’

Tulip ‘Miranda’

Tulip ‘Ice Cream’

Tulip ‘Justina‘

Fosteriana Tulips

Natives to Central Asia, the Fosteriana tulips are considered a wild species, often found in their rocky mountains. Famous for varieties like Tulip Exotic Emperor and Tulip Purissima, this breed is highly popular among gardening enthusiasts across the globe.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Height: 40cm Mature Spread: 10cm Spring Flowering

Mature

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Poco Loco’

Fosteriana Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Madame Lefeber’

Tulip ‘Albert Heijn’

Tulip ‘Candela’

Tulip ‘Border Legend’

Tulip ‘Orange Brilliant’

Fosteriana tulips are considered a wild tulip and are a popular variety among gardeners across the globe. They’re perfect for a vibrant display.

Tulip ‘Exotic Emperor’

Tulip ‘Orange Emperor’

Tulip ‘Apricot Emperor’

Tulip ‘Purissima’

Tulip ‘Purple Purissima’

Tulip Tips

Take advice from Hannah, our RHS-certified gardening expert!

Want to learn more about the season’s bestloved bulbs? Watch Hannah’s how-tos to help your tulips thrive.

Play ‘Best Time to Plant Your Tulips’

Play ‘How to Plant Your Tulips’

Play ‘How Long do Tulip Bulbs Last’

Find Out More with Shorts!

Head over to our YouTube to learn all your top gardening tips from our expert, Hannah.

Follow the Conversation

Stay up to date with all of Hannah’s planting videos & advice on our social channels.

Just search: @jparkersbulbs

Want even more advice?

Learn more with Jeff.

We have loads of legacy planting guides for you to browse, too! Take your pick below.

How to Plant Viridiflora Tulips

How to Plant Dwarf Tulips

How to Plant Darwin Hybrid Tulips

How to Plant Lily Flowering Tulips

How to Plant Greigii Tulips

How to Layer Spring Flowering Bulbs

How to Plant Tulips (Companions & Collections)

Fringed Tulips

Fringed tulips are an exciting variety, popular for their tufted petals. Coming in a broad range of colours, this species is perfect for any gardener looking for a bright and cheerful display throughout spring.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Mature

Height: 50cm

Flowering Calendar

Mature

Spread: 10cm Spring Flowering

Average Flowering time: April - May

Fringed Tulips by Colour

Nothing is more elegant than a carpet of fringed tulips in an array of colours! Which is your favourite?

Tulip ‘Fancy Frills’

Tulip ‘Louvre Orange’

Tulip ‘Huis Ten Bosch’

Tulip ‘Gorilla’

Tulip ‘Curly Sue’

Tulip ‘Red Wing’

Tulip ’Purple Crystal’

Tulip ‘Brest’

Tulip ‘Mascotte’

Tulip ‘Canasta’

Tulip ‘Blue Heron’

Tulip ’Louvre’

Tulip ‘Crystal Star’

Tulip ‘Honeymoon’

Tulip ‘Burgundy Lace’

Tulip ‘Lambada’

Tulip ‘Cummins’

Tulip ‘Party Clown’

Tulip ‘Brisbane’

Tulip ‘Qatar’

Tulip ‘Snow Crystal’

Tulip Trends & Inspiration

A true staple of spring. Tulips are one of the most popular bulbous perennials in the British garden. With fresh green foliage, amazing colours and shapes, tulips will brighten up any garden and provide weeks of cheerful blooms. In honour of our fashion-forward customers, we have narrowed down the latest trend-setting tulips to help inspire you before you shop in time for bulb planting season!

Complimentary Colours

Use complimentary colours to create a spring garden scheme full of maximum contrast, resulting in dynamic and exciting displays with more primal intensity.

Black/Pink Partner Collection

These excellent Triumph Tulips make the most dramatic display. Their wonderful blend of cherry pink (Don Quichotte) and deep purple (Black Knight) is a real sight to behold in beds and borders.

Royal Wedding Collection

A perfect early Tulip pairing. This electric combination of vibrant orange (Princess Irene) and rich purple tones (Purple Prince) will kick off the spring season with a riot of striking colour in the flower bed.

Green Star/Dolls Minuet

Bring elegance to your garden with these fluted Tulips. The magenta red flowers of Dolls Minuet alongside the stunning green flushed, white blooms of Green Star create a showstopping spring display.

Colour Schemes

We’ve scoured the internet to find you the latest trends for your spring-flowering displays. Here are our favourite floral inspirations to liven up and shape your tulip displays this spring.

Tropical

Bring vibrant orange, sunny yellow and fresh green shades to the garden to create a tantalizing tropical look bursting with exciting colours.

Spring Sunshine Yellow is a colour that shines like the sun and makes days that little bit brighter. Yellow flowers are a great way to express joy and positivity.

Pretty Pastels

In garden intended for peace, quiet & relaxation, pastels are the perfect garden colour scheme. Pastel blooms look beautiful in sunny and shaded gardens.

Fresh & Modern

Calming cool colours recede and blur the boundaries so can be used effectively to make an area feel bigger as well as fresh and modern. Get this look with these new additions to our range.

Honeymoon

Beauty and class all in one Tulip. These pure white blooms with delicately fringed edges will brighten up any spring garden when planted in pots or the border. Why not even plant them in groups for a sea of gleaming white flowers?

A stylish Triumph Tulip. Producing showy cream and violet-edged blooms, this variety will bring a touch of rich colour to the garden. Perfect for borders or containers, or you can even cut the blooms as part of a beautiful indoor display

Harbour Lights

Producing unusual, feather-like blooms, this outstanding double Tulip is a great feature for an eyecatching display. These bright white flowers will shine in the spring garden, whether they are planted in groups in the border or in pots.

Shiun

Greigii/ Kaufmanniana Tulips

Appearing earlier in spring than most species. This makes them perfect for between seasons, when there may be a lull in your display. Our charming selection of premium dwarf botanical varieties will produce long-lasting blooms throughout the spring season.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Spring Flowering

Mature

Height: 15cm

Mature Spread: 10cm

Suitable for Sun/ Partial Shade

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: March - April

Tulip ‘Canada’ Mix

Greigii/Kaufmanniana Tulips by Colour

Tulip ’Orange Toronto’

Tulip ‘Early Harvest’

Tulip ‘Shakespeare’

Tulip ‘Double Red Riding Hood’

Tulip ‘Pink Dwarf’

Tulip ‘Red Riding Hood’

Tulip ‘Quebec’

Tulip ‘Golden Tango’

These botanical tulips are full of life, appearing earlier in the spring than most species and known best for their fiery shades.

Tulip ‘Fur Elise’

Tulip ‘Giuseppe Verdi’

Tulip ‘Stresa’

Tulip ‘Winnipeg’

Tulip ‘Toronto’

Tulip ‘Scarlet Baby’ Tulip ‘Fashion’

Tulip ‘Johann Strauss’

Tulip ‘The First’

Lily Flowering Tulips

Lily flowering tulips, often known as ‘the fluted tulip’, are slender flowers with pointed and curved petals. Originating in Iran, this perennial flower is bright and colourful, perfect for jazzing up your flower arrangements.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Mature

Height: 55cm

Mature Spread: 10cm Spring Flowering

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Isaak Chic’

Lily Flowering Tulips by Colour

These fluted tulips come in a wide variety of bright and cheerful seasonal colours. Here are some of our favourites.

Tulip ‘Flutes on Fire’

Tulip ‘Ballerina’

Tulip ‘Lasting Love’

Tulip ‘Ballade’

Tulip ‘Ballade Gold’

Tulip ‘Aladdin’

Tulip ‘Cistula’

Tulip ‘Florijn Chic’

Tulip ‘Merlot’

Tulip ‘Holland Chic’

Tulip ‘Green Star’

Tulip ‘Seattle’

Tulip ‘Pieter De Leur’

Tulip ‘Purple Dream’

Tulip ‘Mariette’

Tulip ‘West Point’

Tulip ‘Fire Wings’

Tulip ‘Tres Chic’

Tulip ‘Moonblush’

KeukenhofThe Garden of Europe

This April, our team was lucky enough to get tickets to Europe’s famous flower garden – Keukenhof. With over 1.1 million visitors passing through the garden’s gates in 2022, the seasonal behemoth is the go-to spot to see all types of spring and early summer flowers in full bloom.

If you’re a garden enthusiast or simply a lover of spring and summer flora, then Keukenhof is the place to go. Situated just 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, the ‘Garden of Europe’ should be on your bucket list for 2024. If you’re wondering whether to book tickets for next year, hopefully, our guide to Keukenhof will help you plan your trip!

You can arrange 60-minute tours with Keukenhof planting specialists for an in-depth exploration of the gardens and the different bulbs grown.

Before You Go...

There are a few things you might want to know before you go hunting for tickets.

Passes

• Starting from €19 per adult

• €9 for children aged 4-17 years old.

• 0–3-year-olds go free!

You can also purchase combitickets on their website, which gives you admittance plus a spot on one of the many bus routes that get you there and home again.

Animals

Dogs are welcome in the gardens, except for pavilions or indoor spaces. Doggy bags are given across the park if you forget any. Your furry friend must also be kept on a leash at all times.

Travel Time

The garden is just a short 40-minute car journey from Amsterdam, or 1 hour and 20 minutes via public transport. Perfect for a day trip if you’re visiting Amsterdam!

Events at Keukenhof

Over the eight weeks that the gardens are open (yep, only eight!), there are many events to see and explore. With flower shows open for the entirety of the season, plus a famous parade (more on this later), and even a ‘romance at Keukenhof’ weekend (13th-14th May 2023), there’s certainly no shortage of sight delights. Don’t worry about missing out on ‘peak flower’ times, as every month brings a new flower to bloom. There’s no shortage of colour at Keukenhof, that’s for sure.

Things to See at Keukenhof Artwork

The gardens are home to both permanent and temporary art pieces, which you can see across the park! All the pieces are signposted on maps, so while you have a wander, make sure you keep your eye out for these oneof-a-kind structures and statues.

Flower parade

Holland’s famous flower parade takes place every April. As people travel worldwide to see this impressive display of floats and entertainment, it’s certainly not an event to miss.

The flower displays

One could argue that the main reason you visit Keukenhof is for the flowers themselves. Of course, the tulip fields are gorgeous, breathtaking even, and famous in their own right, but the tulip displays inside the park aren’t to be missed.

And there’s

more than tulips, too.

Over 7 million bulbs are planted in the park by 40 gardeners in autumn, all donated by 100 growers. This includes classic spring blooms like daffodils and grape hyacinths (muscari), plus summer flowers like carnations and calla lilies.

Refreshments & Facilities

The pure size of Keukenhof was mind-boggling, and among all the exhibits and flowers were opportunities to take the load off your feet and do some people-watching. With six restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and plenty of takeaway food carts around the park, you’re not strapped for choice. There are also picnic benches around the park in case you want to bring your own food. Bathrooms are dotted around the park, including disabled facilities and changing areas.

Things to Do at Keukenhof

There’s a whole host of activities for the entire family to enjoy! From guided tours to a petting zoo, there’s lots to do around the gardens to keep everybody happy.

Whisper Boat Tour

These electric-powered silent boats take you on a journey that gets you up close and personal to the famous tulip fields. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery while taking a moment to relax and breathe in the fresh air. This boat journey takes around 45 minutes and is accompanied by an audio tour about the flower bulb industry and the region in which Keukenhof is situated.

Cycling

Ready to see the tulip forest up close? Cycling routes around the Keukenhof tulip fields and beyond give you an incredible view! You can also walk along these routes if you prefer.

Guided tours

You can arrange 60-minute tours with Keukenhof planting specialists for an in-depth exploration of the gardens and the different bulbs grown. This is available in different languages, perfect for tourists that have travelled worldwide to visit.

Playground

Your children will be pleased to know that there’s an exciting playground on site for them to enjoy, whatever the weather!

Maze

Lose yourself in the garden’s well-kept maze. With gorgeous green hedges in neat (and confusing!) rows, this maze is another stop on our do-not-miss list.

Petting Zoo

Another great way to keep the kids entertained. Keukenhof’s animal pasture is home to an array of wildlife, including pigs, peacocks, and rabbits.

Scavenger hunts

Collect all the clues in the garden’s very own scavenger hunt!

Character days

Well-loved characters like Miffy the Little Rabbit are at Keukenhof for meet-and-greets on select dates. Visit their website before your visit to find out more.

With 32 hectares of land, all full of beautiful blooms and mustsee exhibits, it’s easy to see why Keukenhof is one of the world’s most famous spring gardens. This is an incredible place to visit, and we’re glad to have seen it in person to soak it all in. If you’re thinking of going in 2024, you can book tickets on their website closer to the time.

Would you like to visit Keukenhof in 2024?

Visit their website today to book your tickets for 2024! With it being just a short 40 minutes from Amsterdam, why not turn your trip into a holiday? Your furry friend could join you too, as dogs are allowed into the garden.

Book Now

Parrot Tulips

An incredibly popular breed, cultivated from various double late species and triumph tulips. The parrot tulip is so-called because of its exotic, fringed petals and unique colours, almost resembling a tropical parrot. As they flower much later in the season, parrot tulips prefer warm and sunny conditions.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Ideal for Sun/ Partial Sun

Mature

Height: 50cm

Mature Spread: 10cm

Vibrant Colours

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ’Rococo Double’

Parrot Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Blue Parrot’

Tulip ‘Black Parrot’

Tulip ‘Muriel’

Tulip ‘Amazing Parrot’

Tulip ‘Parrot Lady’

Tulip ‘Parrot King’

Tulip ‘Fantasy’

Tulip ‘Seadov Parrot’

Tulip ‘Pioneer’

Tulip ‘James Last’

Tulip ‘Pink Vision’

Tulip ‘Cabana’

Fringed and fabulous, parrot tulips are well-beloved for their flair and their colours too! Here’s a taster.

Tulip ‘Rococo’

Tulip ‘Negrita Parrot’

Tulip ‘Parrot Prince’

Tulip ‘Blumex Favourite’

Tulip ‘Texas Flame’

Tulip ‘Texas Gold’

Tulip ‘La Courtine Parrot’

Tulip ‘Exotic Parrot’

Tulip ‘Estella Rynveld’

Tulip ‘White Rebel’

Tulip ‘Super Parrot’

Tulip ‘Webers Parrot’

Rembrandt Tulips

Originating in Holland, Rembrandt tulips are a bi-coloured variety that is well-known for their exciting mix of colours. This makes them the perfect addition to any flower display, covering your garden with a whimsical painting of colour.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Mature

Height: 40cm

Mature Spread: 15cm Spring Flowering

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Rembrandt Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Helmar’

Tulip ‘Washington’

Tulip ‘Princess Irene’

Tulip ‘Zurel’

Tulip ‘Carnaval De Rio’

Tulip ‘Flaming Flag’

Tulip ‘Sorbet’

Tulip ‘Hermitage’

Tulip ‘Pretty Princess’

Multi-headed Tulips by Colour

Multi-headed tulips are a great way of growing double the flowers for less! Double the flowers means more carpets of colour. Explore our range...

Tulip ‘Happy Family’

Tulip ‘Antoinette’

Tulip ‘Flaming Club’

Tulip ‘Purple Bouquet’

Tulip ‘Fiery Club’

Single Early Tulips

Single early tulips are amazing bedding plants as they are some of the earliest tulips to bloom, alongside the Fosteriana and Kaufmanniana tulips. Their strong stems and short stature allow them to survive harsh spring weather, ideal for gardens with little to no cover.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Height: 35cm Mature Spread: 10cm Spring Flowering

Mature

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Bright Flair’

Single Early Tulips by Colour

Single early tulips offer an ever-expanding selection of colour. You’ll never become bored with their elegant shape and striking colour schemes!

Tulip ‘Purple Dwarf’

Tulip ‘Purple Prince’

Tulip ‘Apricot Beauty’

Tulip ‘Candy Prince’

Tulip ‘Red Revival’

Tulip ‘Cape Town’

Tulip ‘Diana’

Tulip ‘Christmas Marvel’

Tulip ‘Apricot Favourite’

Tulip ‘Pink Prince’ Tulip ‘Ruby Prince’

Tulip ‘White Prince’

Tulip ‘Sunny Prince’

Tulip ‘White Marvel’

Single Late Tulips

Single late tulips are some of the most versatile tulips on the market. Commonly known as the Cottage Type of tulip, single late tulips are extremely popular for their large flowerheads and broad range of colour. These blooms are among some of the tallest tulips alongside the Darwin species.

Key Features Good for Pots Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Excellent Cut Flowers

Mature

Height: 70cm

Mature Spread: 15cm Spring Flowering

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Single Late Tulips by Colour

These impressive single flowering blooms will look superb in your garden. Here’s a taster of what’s in store...

Tulip ‘Queen of The Night’

Tulip ‘Avignon’

Tulip ‘Temple of Beauty’

Tulip ‘Blushing Beauty’

Tulip ‘Café Noir’

Tulip ‘City of Vancouver’

Tulip ‘Big Smile’

Tulip ‘Recreado’

Tulip ‘Mrs John T. Scheepers’

Tulip ‘Menton’

Tulip ‘El Nino’

Tulip ‘Kingsblood’

Tulip ‘Maureen’

Tulip ‘Blue Aimable’

Tulip ‘Alabaster’

Tulip ‘Renown’

Tulip ‘Angels Wish’

Tulip ‘Jumbo Beauty’

Tulip ‘Rhapsody of Smile’

When Is It Too Late to Plant Tulips?

Bright, bold, and colourful, Tulips are one of the most popular spring-flowering bulbs that gardeners plant in autumn. Many gardeners may think that you need to get all your bulbs in the ground by October, but this isn’t the case! If you haven’t finished your tulip planting yet, don’t worry, keep reading to find out how long you can plant tulip bulbs.

Why you shouldn’t plant Tulips too early

Tulip bulbs are always so eager to get growing. If you plant them too soon, they’ll send their leaves up right away. This will only freeze them in the winter.

When should you plant Tulips?

Wait to plant tulip bulbs until mid-autumn, up until 6 weeks before a ground-freezing frost is expected. Sometimes, even December (or even later) works best if you live in mild winter areas.

What if I don’t plant them by Christmas?

If you missed planting your bulbs during autumn/early winter and you’ve got a pack of tulips or daffodils lying around in January or February, plant them and take your chances. Here are our top tips for winter bulb planting:

• Clear away snow and loosen soil, if possible.

• If the ground is totally frozen, scatter fertilizer sparingly and over a larger range than normal.

• Place bulbs on top of the soil. Do not press them in, as this will damage the bulb base, where roots form

• Cover with 2-4 inches of aged mulch or finished compost (go for the thicker layer if planting during the height of winter).

• Renew mulch covering often with a fresh 2-inch layer.

Species Tulips

Species tulips, or Dwarf Botanical tulips, originate from Central Asia, Spain, and Portugal. This species of tulip is incredibly versatile, offering a broad range of bright and unique colours. Their short stature makes them perfect for growing in rockeries, borders, and beds.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Spring Flowering

Mature

Height: 15cm

Mature

Spread: 10cm

Flowering Calendar

Suitable for Sun/ Partial Shade

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip Little Collection

Species Tulips by Colour

Tulip batalinii ‘Bright Gem’

Tulip ‘Sylvestris’

Tulip ‘Little Beauty’

Tulip Humilis ‘Persian Pearl’

Tulip Humilis ‘Black Base’

Tulip ‘Saxatilis’

Tulip Humilis

Tulip ‘Peppermint Stick’

This species of tulip is incredibly versatile, offering a broad range of bright and unique colours. Perfect for making a statement in the spring garden.

Tulip ‘Tiny Timo’

Tulip ‘Linifolia’

Tulip ‘Praestans Fusilier’

Tulip ’Tarda’

Tulip ‘Honky Tonk’

Tulip ‘Turkestanica’

Tulip ‘Clusiana var. Chrysantha’

Tulip ‘Little Princess’

Tulip ‘Praestans Shogun’

Triumph Tulips

Triumph tulips are sturdy and can withstand strong and unpredictable weather conditions that come with spring. Triumph tulips are one of the largest groups of tulip varieties, offering an array of colours and patterns, p erfect for adding height to beds, borders & containers.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Height: 50cm Mature Spread: 10cm Spring Flowering

Mature

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Mango Charm’

Triumph Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Jan Reus’

Tulip ‘Slawa’

Tulip ‘Mistress Mystic’

Tulip ‘Black Knight’

Tulip ‘Paul Scherer’

Tulip ‘Havran’

Tulip ‘Doberman’

Tulip ‘Gavota’

Tulip ‘Kansas Proud’

Tulip ‘National Velvet’ Tulip ‘Negrita’

Tulip ‘Copex’

Triumph tulips are one of the largest groups of tulip varieties, offering an array of colours and patterns.

Tulip ‘Passionale’

Tulip ‘Ronaldo’

Tulip ‘Purple Flag’

Tulip ‘Mascara’

Tulip ‘Attila’

Tulip ‘Saigon’

Tulip ‘Spitsbergen’

Tulip ‘Unique de France’

Tulip ‘Chansonette’

Tulip ‘Attila Grafitti’

Tulip ‘Magic Lavender’

Tulip ‘Seadov’

Triumph Tulips Continued...

Tulip ‘Don Quichotte’

Tulip ‘Alectric’

Tulip ‘Pink Diamond’

Tulip ‘Pink Clearwater’

Tulip ‘Hollandia’

Tulip ‘Flaming Sun’

Tulip ‘Michael’

Tulip ‘Jan Seignette’

Tulip ‘Synaeda Amor’

Tulip ‘Pink Jimmy’

Tulip ‘Verandi’

Tulip ‘Crossfire’

Tulip ‘Mistress’

Tulip ‘Bojangles’

Tulip ‘Playgirl’

Tulip ‘Pink Flag’

Tulip ‘Rosalie’

Tulip ‘Muvota’

Tulip ‘Red Jimmy’

Tulip ‘Abu Hassan’

Tulip ‘Sunrise Dynasty’

Tulip ‘Jimmy’

Tulip ‘Salmon Dynasty’

Tulip ‘Flaming Flag’

Triumph Tulips Continued...

Tulip ‘Request’

Tulip ‘Infinity’

Tulip ‘Gwen’

Tulip ‘Lemon Chiffon’

Tulip ‘Twilight Princess’

Tulip ‘Cream Flag’

Tulip ‘Buckingham’

Tulip ‘Sweet Love’

Tulip ‘Yokohama’

Tulip ‘Shirley’

Tulip ‘Affaire’

Tulip ‘Cairo’

Tulip ‘Snowstar’

Tulip ‘Cheers’

Tulip ‘Hemisphere’

Tulip ‘Clearwater’

Tulip ‘Francoise’

Tulip ‘White Flag’

Tulip ‘Royal Virgin’

Tulip ‘Salmon Jimmy’

Tulip ‘Apricot Foxx’

Viridiflora Tulips

One of the most elegant & stylish bi-coloured tulips, Viridiflora tulips will give your oldest bulbs a run for their money. Offering a broad range of colours and patterns, this group of tulips is perfect for making a garden statement. Enough to brighten the darkest of days in spring.

Key Features

Excellent Cut Flowers

Good for Pots

Idea for Sun/ Partial Shade

Mature

Height: 55cm

Mature Spread: 15cm Spring Flowering

Flowering Calendar

Average Flowering time: April - May

Tulip ‘Purple Doll’

Viridiflora Tulips by Colour

Tulip ‘Artist’

Tulip ‘Greenland’

Tulip ‘Night Rider’ Tulip ‘Pimpernel’

Tulip ‘Green Spirit’

Tulip ‘China Town’

Tulip ‘Esperanto’

Tulip ‘Flaming Spring Green’

Offering a broad range of colours and patterns, this group of tulips is perfect for making a garden statement. Enough to brighten the darkest of days in spring, this tulip will become one of your garden favourites in no time.

Tulip ‘Green Love’ Tulip ‘Doll’s Minuet’

Tulip ‘Spring Green’

Tulip ‘Viridichic’

Tulip ‘Golden Artist’ Tulip ‘Yellow Spring Green’ Tulip ‘Orange Marmalade’

Tulip ‘Twillight Princess’

After Care

When to water

As long as the soil is moist, there’s no need to water your tulips too often. As the spring season in Britain is usually quite damp, the rain will water your tulips for you! If we’re having an abnormally dry season, then you can water them once a week.

What to do once they’ve finished blooming

Once your tulips have died down and their foliage has turned brown, it’s time to cut them back. This will usually happen by early summer. Leaving the plant to die back naturally allows the bulb to store more energy, providing you with blooms that thrive each year.

How to protect your tulips from windy weather

Some tulips have strong stems and can withstand harsher winds. Unfortunately, this won’t be the case for all varieties, and you need to make sure you have a contingency plan in place for strong gales.

If you’re concerned about harsh winds and rainy weather, move your containers and pots closer to the house. This will give them slightly more shelter. The flowers from more compact, shorter varieties are generally more resilient to adverse weather, so bear this in mind when selecting your Tulip Bulbs.

Deadheading

Deadheading can help redirect the bulb’s energy into creating a new flower once the other one has wilted. It also helps to keep the flower bed looking tidy and uniform whilst the others are still in bloom. Simply cut the spent flower with clean shears, just above the leaves.

Storage Tips

Lifting tulip bulbs can help them to reflower after their first season.

1. Wait until the plant has died down and has reached a straw colour (often brown).

2. Brush off any remnants of soil and dirt gently. If the bulb feels a bit squishy, it could be a sign of damage or disease and is best thrown away.

3. Leave the bulbs to dry thoroughly at room

temperature. Their skin will feel papery when fully dried.

4. Once dried, keep them in trays or paper bags in a dry, warm room. This room should be around 18-20°C.

5. Replant in late autumn.

Common Issues & How to Solve Them

Tulips struggling to regrow after their first year

Sometimes, tulips can struggle to reappear after a few flowering seasons. This can happen for any number of reasons, like the soil is lacking in nutrients or they’re not reaching enough sun.

To avoid this, you can simply lift and throw them away, or store them to plant again next autumn. If you prefer to keep your tulips in the ground but notice they’re struggling, renourish them with a tomato-based fertilizer while in bloom. This will boost its nutrients and hopefully will encourage it to reflower the following spring.

Are grey squirrels ruining your displays?

Grey squirrels love to dig up bulbs. In borders, plant your bulbs in an aquatic basket and cover them with chicken wire. In containers, simply cover with chicken wire. You can remove this wire once the plant emerges from the ground.

What to do if your tulips look diseased

If you spot any withered or brown spots on your tulips, it could be a sign of fungal diseases like tulip fire. You must destroy and dispose of any infected plants as soon as you notice.

Dispose of the soil that surrounds the bulb and avoid planting any more there for up to three years. Before planting any more bulbs, check they’re unblemished and aren’t soft in any areas. Plant later in the season so that the cold weather eradicates any diseases.

Tulip Mixtures

Our mixtures are perfect for those who love a surprise in the garden! Especially if you’re after a large display for less.

Tulip Purple Blend Mix

Tulip Pink Blend Mix

Tulip Yellow Blend Mix

Can’t decide on a mixture to create colour for your garden?

Shop Tulip Collections

Tulip Red Blend Mix

Tulip White Blend Mix

Tulip Burgundy Blend Mix

Tulip Orange Blend Mix

Parrot Mixtures

Darwin Mixture

Parrot Tulips Pastel Mixed

Parrot Tulips Mixed

Tulip Van Eijk Mixed

Greigii/Kaufmanniana Mixture

Tulip Greigii/Kaufmanniana Mixed

Tulip Species Mixed

Other Tulip Mixtures

And that’s not all! We sell an array of exciting tulip mixtures to help you fill your gardens this spring. Here’s just a taster, but there’s more online too!

Tulip Flag Mixed

Lily Flowering Tulips Mixed

Tulip Jimmy Mixed

Tulip Chic Mix

Fosteriana Tulips Mixed

Hot Chocolate Bouquet Mix

Multi Flowered Tulips Mixed

Burgundy Sun Bouquet Mix

Single Early Tulips Mixed

Tulip Prince Mix

Single Late Tulips Mixed

Double Late Tulips Mixed

Tulip Double Fringed Mixed

Tulip Fringed Mix

Pink Bouquet Mix

Viridiflora Mixture

Rembrandt Mixture

Tulip Viridiflora Mixed

Tulip Rembrandt Mixed

Triumph Tulip Mixture

Triumph Tulips Mixed

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