23 Types of Tulips for the Spring Garden

Reviewed by Julie Thompson-Adolf

Gardeners have a bewildering choice among more than 3,000 tulip varieties and cultivars. For convenience, various commercial bulb suppliers classify them into 15 groups based on bloom time, shape, and other characteristics, which is helpful when choosing tulips for your garden.

Tulips originated in Central Asia, where they made their way to Holland through Turkey around 1560. Many of the 150 tulip species have been in cultivation since the 16th century so the original parentage of many modern cultivars is uncertain. To this day, though, most tulips prefer the kind of conditions common to the original native areas—porous, well-draining soil and full sun. Here are 23 popular tulip groups and varieties.

Choosing Tulips for Longevity

Highly specialized, exotic tulips tend to be more short-lived than the "commoners"—species tulips and the hybrids derived from crossing dependable varieties with a long track record of successful performance. If longevity and low maintenance are important to you, choose varieties that are known to last for more than one season. They will not only maintain themselves in the garden, but they may even spread and naturalize with no effort on your part.

Species Tulips

Species tulips are pure native species that have not been hybridized or bred to create named cultivars. While many hybrid tulips lose their vigor and decline over a few years, you can count on species tulips to multiply and form drifts. These Mediterranean and Asian natives tend to be petite, sporting flowers that open wide on sunny days. When opened, many of the blossoms reveal a contrasting color star on the petals. Many species tulips have attractive mottled or striped foliage.

• Name: Species tulips (Tulipa spp.)

• Native Area: Mediterranean regions, southern Eurasia

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 3–16 inches (depends on species)

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: Varies according to species

Darwin Hybrid Tulips

Reaching up to 34 inches in height, these hybrid tulips are some of the tallest tulips. They are a favorite flower for cut-flower arrangements, flowering about the same time as most daffodils. They thrive nicely for several years before losing their vigor. Plant Darwin hybrid tulips beside your house, fence, or shed to provide shelter from stem-snapping winds. Darwin tulips are also excellent candidates for forcing.

• Name: Darwin hybrid tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 20 to 34 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: April

Triumph Tulips

When you buy economy bags of mixed-color bulbs, they are most often Triumph tulips. These medium-sized tulips have single-petal flowers in the classic cup shape. They bloom earlier than Darwin hybrids and have shorter, heavier stems. Available in a wide color of pastels, bright tones, and bi-colors, the reliable Triumph tulip is a garden designer's delight. Plant them deeply, at least 8 inches beneath the soil surface, to encourage several years of performance.

• Name: Triumph tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 18–20 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: April

When to Plant Tulip Bulbs

Grand Perfection Tulips

In the world of tulip breeding, this is a relatively new variety, introduced in 1999. The eye-catching flowers start as soft yellowish adorned with crimson-red flames. As they mature, the flowers turn ivory-white with ruby-red flames. The flowers mimic the look of the 17^th century Rembrandt tulips whose artsy pattern was caused by an infection with the mosaic virus but in fact, Grand Perfection tulips are Triumph tulips. Because of their short stems, they lend themselves to forcing.

• Name: Grand Perfection tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 16-18 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: April/May

Apricot Beauty Tulips

The flowers of this Triumph tulip variety never look exactly the same—the color intensity varies depending on the amount of sun that hits the flowers as well as on the point in time of the blooming period. The outside of the blooms is a soft salmon-rose with light apricot-colored edges and the start at the flower base is light green. 'Apricot Beauty' is fragrant and a popular tulip for forcing.

• Name: Apricot Beauty ((Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones:

• Height: 14-16 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: April/May

Double Tulips

These hybrid tulips and their cultivars have been bred to have fluffier, double-petal flowers rather than the normal single-petal blooms common to classic tulips. Colors include red, white, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and bicolors. One subcategory is peony tulips, so-called for their resemblance to peonies. Some varieties bloom in early spring and late spring, and there are both short and tall varieties. The bloom is fairly long-lasting. Some varieties are good for forcing.

• Name: Double tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 14–22 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: April (Double Early), May (Double Late)

Double Ice Cream Tulips

It’s obvious how this double (or peony) tulip got its name—the blooms, which do not open completely, look like an ice cream cone. The double white petals emerge from a base of deep pink petals. Because of its short stature, this variety is an excellent choice for the front of the border, along a patio, or walkway. With its large, long- lasting blooms of Double Ice Cream tulips also make stunning cut flowers.

• Name: Double Ice Cream tulips (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9

• Height: 12-16 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: May

How to Keep Cut Tulips Fresh

La Belle Epoque Tulips

This peony-like tulip features changing colors, unlike any other variety. The flowers start out copper-gold, then mature to salmon-apricot, followed by amber-rose and finally butter-caramel. And with each color change, it becomes more beautiful. This versatility in color, paired with a very long bloom time, makes this a much sought-after double late tulip variety.

• Name: La Belle Epoque tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 16-18 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Late April

Double Sun Lover Tulips

When the flowers of this double-flowering late tulip first open, they are a rich golden yellow with variable tangerine-orange and red markings. As the flowers mature, they turn a deep orange with scarlet-red striations, opening wider with each passing day. The lush flowers of this tulip truly bear resemblance with a peony.

• Name: Double Sun Lover tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones:

• Height: 16-18 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Late April

Fringed Tulips

The fringed tulip category includes genetic mutations from tulips in other groups, chosen for the unique serrated, fringed edges on the petals. Because they originate in many different groups, the sizes and bloom times vary considerably within the group. Plant them in the front of the flower bed where you can admire their unusual anatomy. Flower colors include red, pink, white, purple, yellow, and bicolors. The variety ‘Cummins’ stands out with its deep lavender petals with a white fringe.

• Name: Fringed tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 16–26 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Late April to early May

Emperor Tulips (Fosteriana Tulips)

This class of tulips originated with a species of early-blooming tulips native to central Asia. They have huge flowers reaching up to 8 inches across. They come in vivid, bright colors, including red, pink, orange, white, yellow, and bicolor. By the middle of April, emperor tulips give gardeners hungry for blooms a reliable spring show on sturdy stalks. They are also perfect for floral arrangements. Try ‘Orange Emperor’, which imparts a sweet fragrance in addition to its vivid petals.

• Name: Emperor/Fosteriana tulip (Tulipa fosteriana)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

• Height: 14–20 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Late March

Greigii Tulips

This category includes cultivars derived from the Tulipa greigii species native to Turkestan in Central Asia. Growing 8 to 12 inches tall, they have single flowers with a bowl shape, blooming in early to mid-spring, with up to three blooming stems per plant. Their maroon-spotted and striped leaves stand out in the garden. The flowers are quite large, up to 4 inches. Colors include red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. These tulips enjoy warm, dry soil in the summer, a good choice for rock gardens.

• Name: Greigii tulip (Tulipa greigii)

• Native Area: Turkestan

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 8–12 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: First week of April

Kaufmanniana Tulips

Modern Kaufmanniana tulips originated from a species native to the region now known as Turkestan. These are long-lived tulips that require very little care. They have a small stature, averaging 6 inches in height, which makes them suitable for areas with high winds. The flowers open wide in the sun, looking like a star, and often provide a completely different look and color than when closed. These tulips perennialize nicely in sunny areas where they don’t have to compete with other plants. Colors include rose, golden yellow, pink, purple, orange, red, and bicolors.

• Name: Kaufmanniana tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana)

• Native Area: Turkestan

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 6 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: March

Lily-Flowered Tulips

The lily-flowered tulip class includes varieties bred to have pointed petals reminiscent of lily flowers. Your late spring garden should be graced by a dozen or more lily-flowering tulips, with their pointed, flared petals on urn-shaped blossoms. The flowers are tall, bold, and long-blooming. Colors include reds, orange, yellow, white, pink, purple, and bicolors. Enjoy the swirled cream, pink, and green hues of 'Florosa', or plant the heirloom yellow 'West Point' in combination with blue muscari bulbs.

• Name: Lily-flowered tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 16–24 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: Late April to early May

Parrot Tulips

This unusual class of tulips includes mutations from certain Late-Flowering and Triumph group tulips. These showy tulips are the flamenco dancers of the garden. Their petals twist, feather, and curl on stems 12 to 28 inches in height, giving drama to the late spring garden border. The flowers beg to be added to your vase, but they usually won’t return after the second growing season. Plant a combination of 'Blue Parrot 'and 'Texas Gold' for a head-turning installation in your mailbox garden. Colors include reds, yellow, white, pink, purple, and many bicolors.

• Name: Parrot tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 14–22 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: May

Single Early Tulips

As the name suggests, this class includes single-petaled tulips that bloom very early in the season, beginning in March. They bloom while the weather is still cool and are known for holding their blooms for a long time. Single Early tulips are also ideal for forcing in containers. Colors include red, orange, yellow, white, pink, purple, apricot, and bicolors.

• Name: Single early tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 10–24 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: First week of April

Yokohama Tulips

This single early tulip variety is appreciated for its long-lasting blooms and thick, sturdy stems, which allow it to withstand rain and wind and make it an excellent cutting flower. It is 'Yokohama' is a mid-sized tulip with deep yellow, pointy petals that exude a beautiful fragrance.

• Name: Yokohama tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 14-16 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: First week of April

Purple Prince Tulips

If you love the color purple, this tulip is for you. The large, lilac-purple flowers have a beet-colored purple interior. The flowers of these single early tulips are egg-shaped and long-lasting. Because of their early bloom and short stems, Purple Prince is a preferred tulip for indoor forcing to bloom between December and March.

• Name: Purple Prince (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 14-16 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Mid-April

Single Late Tulips

This class includes simple single-petaled tulips that bloom later in the spring after all other tulips have faded. Growing nearly 3 feet tall, these are among the tallest tulips. Their sturdy stems stand up well to windy conditions, plus they're more heat tolerant than other varieties. Colors include reds, yellow, white, pink, purple, apricot, and bicolors. "French" single late tulips have a distinctive oblong-shaped flower. Another subcategory, the multi-flowering tulips, includes varieties with four or more flower stalks per plant.

• Name: Single late tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 16–30 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: May

Queen of Night Tulips

This is not only one of the tallest tulips available, its dark purple, almost black color also stands out in a flower border or arrangement. The long-lasting, velvety blooms of this single late tulip are oval and the stems are sturdy so it also makes a good cut flower.

• Name: Queen of Night (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 24-30 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, part shade

• Blooming Period: May

Bleu Aimable Tulips

While there are no blue tulips, this single late tulip is as close as you can get to a pure blue. First cultivated in 1910, the award-winning tulip is a classic. It has lush, deep lilac to lavender blue blooms blushed with magenta. The blue tint most noticeable on the outer base of the petals but there is more blue color hidden inside the flowers: The cup-shaped flowers have a small interior white center with a blue halo.

• Name: Bleu Aimable tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8

• Height: 20-22 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: May

Viridiflora Tulips

This group of tulips is something of a novelty and is perhaps the least important class, but the uniqueness of these varieties makes them highly prized. The blooms on Viridiflora tulips generally have streaks of green falling over a complementary color. These are mid- to late-blooming tulips of moderate size. The blooms can be very large, as much as 3 inches across. These tulips can be especially attractive in vases. Colors include green streaks on pink, orange, yellow, or red.

• Name: Viridiflora tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 12–24 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

• Blooming Period: Late May

Rembrandt Tulips

This unusual tulip group includes tulip varieties that mix two or three colors in broken streaks. Originally caused by a virus, today's varieties are bred specifically for their unique look. The main color, often red, white, or yellow, has streaks of another color running randomly through the petals. While they look similar to Darwin tulips, Rembrandts have a classic cup shape with straight edges on the petals. Colors include yellow, white, or red streaked with other colors. These are short-lived tulips that will need to be replaced after a year or two.

• Name: Rembrandt tulip (Tulipa x)

• Native Area: Nursery hybrid

• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8

• Height: 15–24 inches

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Blooming Period: May

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tulips keep coming back every year?

Species tulips are typically the most long-lived tulips and are a primary choice if you want a truly perennial tulip. Some varieties of other tulips, including Kaufmannia, Greigii, Giant Darwin, and Emperor tulips also come back, lasting for two to three blooming periods.

How many different varieties of tulips are there?

There are more than 3,000 registered tulip varieties and new ones are added on an ongoing basis.

What's an easy tulip to grow for beginners?

Tulips with strong stems are generally the easiest to grow. Varieties often included in tulip collections for beginners include ‘World Friendship’ (Triumph), ‘Oriental Beauty’ (Kaufmannia), ‘Orange Brilliant’ (Fosteriana), and Temple of Beauty’ (single late tulip). Regardless of the type, choosing large bulbs when plating tulips is important for successfully growing tulips.

Read the original article on The Spruce.