About

A bulbous perennial to 60cm with green foliage and tightly packed, peony-shaped dark red-pink buds which open into multi-layered dark red-brown perfumed flowers, flecked with white and copper-orange hues.

About the genus

Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationPlant 10 to 15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil with shelter from strong winds and protection from excessive wet. See tulip cultivation
PruningDeadhead after flowering; allow foliage to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by lifting and separating offsets; see bulb propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to tulip fire and bulb rot in poorly drained soil