Tulips belong to the lily family. They are widely cultivated spring flowers and are among the best ornamental flowers. Their wide range of colors and textures is why it is well admired. They make for a beautiful addition to any flower arrangement. They are also a striking choice for landscaping. These vivid blossoms act as the harbinger of spring. There are over a hundred varieties of tulips. Here are 11 different types of tulips to look for spring:
1. Single Tulips:
They are single cup shapes with six petals. When thinking of the different types of tulips, they are one of a kind. They can be early or late bloomers. Many of the early varieties have a fragrance. They last longer as they bloom during colder weather. The late types are exceptionally tall.
These are also tolerant to warm temperatures. The different kinds of late bloomers tulips are Bleu Aimable, World Expression and Queen of Night. The early varieties are White Marvel, Keizerskroon and Prince Tulips.
- Blooms: Early spring (early), Late spring (late)
- Sunlight: Full
2. Triumph Tulips:
They come in the classic single-cup shape. It has slightly pointed petals. They have mid-length stems. They bloom in colder climates and in heavy April showers. They are the best tulips for short-duration bedding. These types of tulip flowers have a long vase life.
Triumph Tulips make for beautiful fresh cut flowers. They come in a varied range of colors, even pastel shades. Various tulips are also available in bi-colors. Some varieties also boast a mild fragrance and are easy-to-grow tulips. The different types of tulips in the category are Barcelone, Peppermint Candy, Golden Prins Claus, and Beauty Trend.
- Blooms: Mid spring
- Sunlight: Full
3. Double Tulips:
These different types of tulips resemble double peonies. They have semi-double to double flowers. They are appropriate for bedding and some for forcing. They come in various forms. They can be Double Early or Late. Double Early tulips are usually shorter than single-petal tulips. The Late tulips are giant flowers supported by sturdy stems.
Double tulips are sensitive to rain and winds. They do best in sheltered spots. The different kinds of tulip flowers that come under the Double Tulip variety are Mosella, Foxtrot and Mondial as early bloomers. The late bloomers are Annelinde, Orange Princess and Double Sugar.
- Blooms: Mid-spring to late spring (early), late spring (late)
- Sunlight: Full of partial shade (early), Morning sun with Afternoon shade (late)
4. Fringed Tulips:
They are also known as ‘Crispa’ tulips. The petal edges have feathery fringes. It gives the flowers a soft frilly look. This distinguishes them from other tulip species. They are found in various shades. They are in whites and yellows but also in red, pink, or purple. They are usually single-petalled though some varieties have double petals.
In some different types of tulips, the fringes have a distinct color from the blossom. It adds to the charm of its strain. The varieties of these tulips are Coldplay, Anfield, and Queensland.
- Blooms: Mid to late spring
- Sunlight: Full of partial shade
5. Fosteriana Tulips:
They are solitary, big bloomers in many rich colors. They are sought-after for landscaping in Europe. They bloom in warm shades like yellows and oranges. They are popularly termed ‘Emperor’ tulips.
The defining traits of these flowers are their sturdy stem, bowl-shaped blooms and sweeping leaves. They can be naturalized and perennialized. Some tulip varieties are perfumed. Some Fosteriana Tulips are the Exotic Emperor, Orange Emperor, and Flaming Purissima.
- Blooms: Early to mid spring
- Sunlight: Bright, for six hours
6. Greigii Tulips:
These tulips flowers have leaves which are as attractive as the flowers. They are chalice shaped. The leaves are either striped or spotted with purple. They are usually two-toned, colorful blossoms. Various colors are available, including red, yellow, and white. They are widely used for bedding and forcing.
Greigii Tulips have a prolonged blooming season than the other varieties of tulips. They have short stems compared to their broad blossoms. These tulips make a great addition to container plantings. They are also nurtured in rock gardens and used as borders. The different types of tulips under Greigii Tulips are Calypso, Pinocchio, and Winnipeg.
- Blooms: Early to mid spring
- Sunlight: Full of partial shade
7. Kaufmanniana Tulips:
They are perennial flowers. They are the first flowers to bloom every season. Their petals are pointy, which look like water lilies. They have bright contrasting blooms. They are open only during the sunny hours of the day. They close on an overcast day and look like tumblers.
Kaufmanniana Tulips are popularly called Water Lily Tulips. Like Greigii Tulips, they have mottled or striped foliage. They have broad blooms and are low-growing flowers. They are the shortest tulips to grow. These are used in rock gardens or borders. They are also suitable for pots and window boxes. The different types of tulips of its variety are Ancilla, Verdi, and Heart’s Delight.
- Blooms: Early spring
- Sunlight: Full of partial shade
8. Lily-Flowered Tulips:
The tulip’s flaring pointed blooms resemble a lily flower. The scented flowers have an hourglass shape. It gives them a very graceful look, like an upside-down bell. They are cherished flowers in wedding bouquet arrangements. They grow tall with soft stems. The petals are delicate.
A windbreak must be installed before cultivating these fragile flowers. They get easily broken by a strong gust of wind. The color range of these lilies is expansive. They come in multi-colored contrasting swirls, too. Its species’ different types of tulips are Ballade, Mariette and Fly Away.
- Blooms: Mid to late spring
- Sunlight: Full or partial shade
9. Parrot Tulips:
These are gorgeous, whimsical blooms. They are developed from the mutations of some late-flowering tulips. Initially, the flowers look green. As they grow, a stunning display of colors is revealed. They have ruffled petals, like a parrot. Its petals feather, curl and twist as the flower matures. Their unique cut makes them an exotic addition to any flower arrangement.
Parrot Tulips need protection from wind and heavy rains due to their brimming display. Among all the different types of tulips, they are more delicate. They have long, thin stems. Some famous Parrot Tulips are Rococo, Estella Rijnveld, Rasta Parrot and White Lizard.
- Blooms: Mid to late spring
- Sunlight: Full
10. Darwin Hybrid Tulips:
They were developed in the Netherlands. They are long-lasting flowers because of crossbreeding. These tulip varieties showcase vivid colors like yellow, orange, red, and pink. Some also come with speckles or stripes on their flowers. They have strong stems which can be cut and used in flower bouquets.
Due to the strong stems and large bloom, they get extensively cultivated. They are splendid perennial flowers. They bloom yearly if the leaves are not cut after blooming. Its species’ different types of tulips are Acropolis, Daydream and Ad Rem.
- Blooms: Mid to late spring
- Sunlight: Full or partial shade
11. Viridiflora Tulips:
These are specialty tulips with softly pointing petals. It has a flame of green running through the outer petals. It is the uniqueness of its species of tulip. They are cup-shaped and three inches across. Florists treasure its variety as they retain their freshness for a long duration.
Viridiflora Tulips are used as cut flowers. They look exquisite, arranged in a vase. Some types of tulips in its category are Esperanto, Orange Marmalade and Green Spirit.
- Blooms: Late spring
- Sunlight: Full, for six hours
Tulip bulbs are planted during fall. They make for a beautiful display of the upcoming spring. These flowers’ meanings are different based on their colors. A red tulip signifies love, whereas a white one symbolizes forgiveness. These flowers are pleasing to the eyes.
