Tulips are a flower that stands out from the rest with their unique appearance that is recognizable all over the world. They are scientifically classified as a bulbous flowering perennial plant, belonging to the Liliaceae family, with around 75 different wild species acknowledged. In the past, tulips required a frosty environment to flourish but with modern farming methods, they can now be found all year round. However, this article isn’t about the history of tulips but rather to explore the diversity of this beautiful flower. While the iconic tulip with its sleek bulb and vibrant colors is well-known, there are many lesser-known varieties that exist. With a range of shapes and colors, some look completely different from the typical tulip associated with Dutch culture. To broaden your perspective on this important flower, let’s explore some of the most significant types of tulips including the standard tulip.
Our initial pick is the kind of tulip that most people are familiar with. Although there are various species available, the “standard” variety looks exactly how you would anticipate it to be. These are the ones exhibited in the tulip section of your neighborhood grocery store or florist and dispersed all over local gardens in the springtime. While standard tulips can be divided into subcategories, these are complex terminologies that we will refrain from discussing for casual gardeners.
Tulips serve as a classic cut flower and excel for several reasons. Firstly, their familiarity has been associated with happiness, springtime, and positive sentiments for generations, making them ideal gifts. Furthermore, most standard tulips have a uniform color, making them an excellent addition to floral arrangements. The exceptions to this rule of one-color are often exceptionally stunning, with bi-colored tulips displaying beautiful complementary combinations. Above all, standard tulips are reasonably priced for such a magnificent flower.
Double Bloom.
The name “double bloom” perfectly describes the appearance of this flower, which features multiple layers of petals instead of the standard single layer found in most tulips. While it’s sometimes referred to as a peony bloom, we prefer to call it by its literal name. These flowers can add a lush, voluptuous look to any bouquet and pair well with other flowers for a visually stunning arrangement. However, it’s important to note that some variations of this breed are only available seasonally and may require planning ahead or choosing alternative flowers. Another unique tulip breed is the parrot tulip.
Parrot Tulips are a distinctive variety of tulips, characterized by their ruffled petals with multiple colors that resemble the bright plumage of tropical parrots. These tulips set themselves apart in several ways. They grow at an accelerated rate and their blooms tend to be larger, making it challenging for breeders to ensure sturdy stems that can support the weight. Parrot tulip stalks may bend slightly more than those of standard breeds. Additionally, all parrot tulips have multi-colored petals and open up into large, textural blooms that add a unique touch to flower arrangements.
Sometimes, parrot tulips can be difficult to identify as tulips due to their exceptional appearance. Their unique visual qualities stem from the plant’s rapid growth and its untamable nature, which constantly shifts and resists categorization. Fringed Tulips are another variety of tulip that showcase frilly edges, adding a delicate and elegant touch to any floral arrangement.
The term “fringed” perfectly captures the appearance of this particular type of tulip. Although their overall shape is quite similar to regular tulips, the edges of their petals are fringed, giving them a delicate and slightly disheveled appearance. This frilly effect adds a wonderful level of visual interest to the already stunning array of colors these flowers come in. For maximum impact, it’s best to place fringed tulips alongside simpler, more streamlined flowers in an arrangement. Alternatively, you could showcase them on their own for a truly unique and eye-catching display.
In addition to fringed tulips, there are also bi-color standard tulips available. These tulips feature two distinct colors on their petals, which can really create a striking contrast in any bouquet or floral arrangement. Whether you prefer fringed or bi-color tulips, both types offer a beautiful and unique twist on a classic flower.
Wikimedia describes how Bi-Color standard tulips offer more diversity compared to solid colored traditional tulips. These tulips, while still retaining the classic tulip shape, are generally more expensive. One eye-catching Bi-Color tulip cultivar is the Prinses Irene, boasting vibrant orange petals with deep purple accents.
The Rembrandt tulips are a stunning variety of tall tulips with pale colors that are streaked with deep shades of purple or red, giving them a distinctive appearance. They are named after the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt and were originally created due to a virus that damaged the bulbs. However, the original Rembrandt bulbs are no longer sold, and the current non-viral variety is just as beautiful as its predecessor. Another type of tulip that deserves attention is the Fosteriana tulip, which is known for its large size and vibrant colors. These tulips add a pop of color and cheerfulness to any garden.
The stunning Kaufmanniana tulips are a result of cultivating a wild species found in the mountains of Central Asia. With varying heights, each bloom boasts wide petals in vibrant shades, earning them their nickname, Emperor tulips. These flowers make a grand statement when planted in large beds and are known to return year after year.
These stunning blooms are a wonderful departure from the typical tulip variety and are one of the first to blossom. They are typically on the shorter side, making them an ideal addition to rock gardens or containers. The petals of the Lily Flowering Tulip are pointed and open up completely flat on bright, sunny days. When in full bloom, they look strikingly similar to waterlilies, which is why they are sometimes referred to as Waterlily Tulips. These flowers are known for their impressive size, with the largest ones measuring up to 8 inches wide.
In the later part of spring, these exquisite tulips blossom with their long and pointed petals that curve at the ends. Reminiscent of the Kaufmanniana tulips, their flowers take on the shape of lilies. When viewed from above, they appear to resemble six-point stars. Despite having a limited range of hues available, their form compensates for it. The Aladdin cultivar, featured in the photo, boasts vibrant red petals with striking yellow borders.
Green-Flowered Tulips
These tulips are special because they have a distinct green streak running across each petal, creating a striking contrast to their main color. The pink Viridiflora tulip variety is particularly known for its lengthy blooming period, making it a fantastic choice for any garden. One of its standout cultivars is the Groenland. Another noteworthy tulip type is the Darwin Hybrid.
The Darwin Hybrids, a result of cross-breeding Fosteriana and late-blooming single tulips, are the tallest tulips in existence. They are popular for their large blooms, which can reach up to 6 inches in diameter, and their vivid colors make them a highly sought-after cut flower. Unlike other tulips that lose their beauty over time, Darwin Hybrids maintain their stunning appearance year after year, provided their leaves are not trimmed after blooming. Check out the Daydream cultivar, with its striking yellow hue and apricot accents.
As their name suggests, these delightful tulips bloom later than most other types, earning them the monikers Cottage tulip and Mayflowering Tulip. With their classic, cup-shaped form and an array of vibrant hues, they could easily give the towering Darwin Hybrids a run for their money in terms of height.
In the image displayed above, we see the lovely Esther cultivar of Single Late Tulips. These particular flowers boast petals that are pink with a striking silver outline.
Another variety of tulip to keep an eye out for is the Greigii Tulip.
Wikimedia states that these types of tulips are shorter than most other varieties, but they have huge blooms in comparison to their height. They are available in bold colors such as red or yellow, and the flowers usually fully open when exposed to sunshine. Due to their short stature, they are perfect for rock gardens or containers. The striped or spotted leaves are one of the most striking features of these tulips, with the Red Riding Hood cultivar being a prime example. This brief overview of the extensive variety of tulips aims to enlighten readers on the complexity and range of appearances these flowers can exhibit. What was once regarded as a beautiful yet conventional type of flower is now viewed as an innovative and diverse genus.