How to choose the best tulips
Tulips offer the widest variety of colour, shape and size of all the spring-flowering bulbs. From the unusual, large-flowered peony-type ‘Ice Cream’ tulips to the familiar cup-shaped blooms of the tulip 'Everlasting Mixed', there’s a variety for everyone. There are more than 150 species with 30,000 registered varieties – see our FAQs below to help you find the best options for your garden. For more information, read our article on how to grow tulips.
Which tulips are best for growing in pots and containers?
For pots and containers, choose varieties that are naturally more compact or specifically bred for container life. Look for collections curated for this purpose, such as the Tulip 'Container Collection' or the 'Patio Mix'. For a beautiful, multi-layered display, Tulip 'Red Riding Hood' is an excellent and reliable choice with striking foliage.
Which tulips are the most reliable and likely to come back every year?
While many tulips are best treated as annuals, some are excellent perennials. The wild Tulip 'Sylvestris' is a superb choice for naturalising in grass or borders. The 'Everlasting Mixed' collection is specifically designed for longevity. Darwin hybrid tulips also have a good reputation for returning year after year, making 'Darwin Mixed' or the deep red 'Lalibela' great options.
Which tulip varieties have the best scent?
Many gardeners choose tulips for their scent. For a truly perfumed spring garden, the 'Super Scented Collection' is an obvious choice. For specific, highly fragrant varieties, the beautiful double-flowered Tulip 'Angelique' is famous for its sweet scent, and Tulip 'Secret Perfume' also provides a delightful fragrance.
Which tulips are best for cutting to display in a vase?
Tulips with long, strong stems are best for creating stunning indoor displays. The 'Florists Treat Mixed' collection is curated for this very purpose. Classic Darwin hybrid varieties like 'Golden Apeldoorn' and Tulip 'Red Impression' are good choices, known for their large blooms and sturdy stems.
