A Guide to the Different Types of Tulip Bulbs
Tulips are one of the most beloved spring flowers, known for their vibrant colours, elegant shapes, and rich history. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to brighten up your garden, understanding the different types of tulip bulbs can help you create a stunning display. With over 3,000 registered varieties grouped into 15 official categories, there's a tulip for every garden.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most popular types of tulips, how they differ, and tips for choosing the right ones for your garden. It's important to take note of the estimated flowering month and guide height so you can correctly incorporate them into your pot displays.
1. Single Early Tulips
Bloom Time: Early spring
Height: 10–18 inches
Single Early tulips are among the first to bloom. They feature classic cup-shaped flowers with one flower per stem. These tulips are short but sturdy, making them great for borders and containers. Their strong stems help them resist wind and rain.
Popular varieties:
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'Apricot Beauty'
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'Princess Irene'
2. Double Early Tulips
Bloom Time: Early spring
Height: 10–14 inches
Often called "peony tulips" due to their lush, layered petals, Double Early tulips bring fullness and texture to early spring gardens. Their blooms are larger and more rounded than single tulips.
Popular varieties:
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'Monte Carlo'
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'Abba'
3. Triumph Tulips
Bloom Time: Mid-spring
Height: 12–24 inches
Triumph tulips are the largest group of tulips, known for their rich colours and classic shape. They have strong stems, making them ideal for cut flowers and formal beds.
Popular varieties:
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'Negrita' (deep purple)
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'Barcelona' (vivid pink)
4. Darwin Hybrid Tulips
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Height: 18–28 inches
Darwin Hybrids are famous for their large, egg-shaped blooms and strong stems. These tulips are incredibly weather-resistant and are some of the best for naturalizing (returning year after year).
Popular varieties:
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'Apeldoorn'
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'Daydream'
5. Parrot Tulips
Bloom Time: Late spring
Height: 14–26 inches
If you're looking for drama, Parrot tulips are a must. Their flamboyant, fringed petals come in wild colour combinations and twist in unique, eye-catching ways.
Popular varieties:
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'Black Parrot'
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'Estella Rijnveld'
6. Fringed Tulips
Bloom Time: Late spring
Height: 14–22 inches
Fringed tulips, also known as "Crispa," are known for their serrated, lacy petal edges. They come in a wide range of colours and add an elegant flair to garden beds and bouquets.
Popular varieties:
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'Lambada'
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'Honeymoon'
7. Lily-Flowered Tulips
Bloom Time: Late spring
Height: 18–24 inches
With long, narrow petals that flare out like a lily, these tulips bring grace and sophistication. They're particularly striking when planted in groups.
Popular varieties:
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'Ballade'
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'White Triumphator'
8. Viridiflora Tulips
Bloom Time: Late spring
Height: 12–22 inches
"Viridiflora" means "green flower" in Latin. These tulips are known for their green streaks on the petals, which contrast beautifully with pinks, yellows, and whites. They're unique and long-lasting.
Popular varieties:
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'Spring Green'
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'Artist'
9. Rembrandt Tulips
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Height: 18–24 inches
Rembrandt tulips are named after the Dutch painter because of their artistic, streaked petals. Historically, these streaks were caused by a virus, but modern Rembrandts are bred safely and intentionally for that same aesthetic.
Popular varieties:
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'Rem's Favourite'
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'Zurel'
10. Species Tulips
Bloom Time: Early spring
Height: 4–12 inches
These are the wild ancestors of modern tulips. Species tulips are small, hardy, and often perennialize well. They're great for rock gardens and natural settings.
Popular varieties:
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Tulipa tarda
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Tulipa clusiana
Tips for Choosing Tulip Bulbs
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Consider Bloom Time: Mix early, mid, and late bloomers for a long-lasting spring display.
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Mix Heights and Types: Combining different heights and forms adds visual interest.
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Buy Quality Bulbs: Choose firm, healthy bulbs from reputable suppliers.
Final Thoughts
Tulips bring joy, colour, and elegance to any garden. By understanding the different types of tulip bulbs, you can craft a landscape that blooms beautifully from early to late spring. Whether you prefer the bold and flamboyant Parrots or the classic charm of Triumphs, there’s a tulip out there that’s perfect for your space.
So grab your gloves and bulbs—fall is planting time, and spring will thank you!
