9 Most Common Types of Tulips and When They Bloom

Tulips bloom in the spring garden landscape — Credit:
Olga Chetvergova / Getty Images

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are coveted springtime flowers known for their versatility and wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles. These blooms typically appear in early spring, reemerging every year at a time when many other plants remain dormant. But some tulip varieties may appear later in the season than others. To help determine when these spring bloomers will appear, we chatted with gardening experts to find out when the most common types of tulips bloom.

Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau, third-generation gardener at Longfellow’s Greenhouses in Maine
Ward Dilmore, head landscape designer and founder of luxury estate landscape design company, Petrus Landscape in California
Nastya Vasylchyshyna, resident botany expert at Plantum, the app that helps identify plants and improve plant care

01 of 09

Fosteriana Tulip

Apricot pink Fosteriana hybrid tulip, tulipa Poco Loco in flower, naturalised in a bed of forget me nots. — Alex Manders / Getty Images

Fosteriana tulips are the flowers you might expect to see at Easter celebrations. They are known for their elegant, large blooms and stately height. They flower early every spring, making them a great addition to a late winter or early spring garden. “To ensure they bloom, these tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall, as they require a cold period,” says Ellie Longfellow Bilodeau, third-generation gardener at Longfellow’s Greenhouses. “They can be planted as long as the soil remains workable.”

Zones: 2 to 8
Bloom time: Early spring
Size: 10 to 24 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

02 of 09

Single Early Tulip

Single early tulips have many charms. “They have sturdy stems with single-layered petals that come in a wide range of colors. Some varieties even feature two or more shades,” says Nastya Vasylchyshyna, resident botany expert at Plantum. This variety's elegant look makes it a great choice for any garden. “Single early tulips can be especially eye-catching when planted along borders, in groups, or containers.” As their name suggests, they usually bloom early, between March to early April.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Early spring
Size: 10 to 24 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

03 of 09

Botanical Tulip

Botanical tulips are beloved for their natural beauty and ability to thrive in a range of growing conditions. “Though smaller and more delicate, they're surprisingly hardy and low maintenance,” says Vasylchyshyna. “Their star-shaped blooms make them truly eye-catching.” Add these flowers to your rock garden, alpine beds, or along garden paths. They bloom in late March through early April.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Size: 4 to 24 inches tall x 3 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

04 of 09

Pink Impression Tulip

This tulip is a Darwin hybrid known for its vibrant pink color. It appears in early to mid spring and does well in hardiness zones 2 to 8. One of the taller tulip varieties, Pink Impression, is a prolific grower that will beautifully fill in your flower garden. “The Darwin hybrid varieties are exceptional tulips for their longevity and ability to multiply over time,” says Longfellow Bilodeau.

Zones: 2 to 8
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Size: 20 to 22 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

05 of 09

Fringed Tulip

Fringed tulips live up to their name. “They have shredded-looking edges to their petals, creating a special texture to your spring flower beds,” says Ward Dilmore, founder of Petrus Landscape. Add fringed tulips to any part of your garden, such as garden borders, beds, or mixed flower displays. A versatile plant, fringed tulips add color to the landscape from mid to late spring.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Size: 12 to 36 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

06 of 09

Double Late Tulip

Double late tulips have large ruffled blooms. “They look stunning in flower arrangements and make a bold statement in the garden,” says Vasylchyshyna, adding that these are possibly her favorite tulips. Since the flower’s blossoms are heavy, it’s best to plant these tulips in a wind-free spot to protect their stems from breaking. “Many varieties boast a lovely fragrance and resemble peonies or large roses.” These tulips typically bloom from late April through May.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

07 of 09

Viridiflora Tulip

Viridiflora tulips are distinguished by their striking green markings on the outer petals. “The petal colors vary widely, ranging from soft pastels like blush pink and creamy white to bold, vibrant shades of yellow, red, and purple,” says Vasylchyshyna.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

08 of 09

El Niño Tulip

An egg-shaped flower coming in golden yellow or peachy colors, El Niño appears in late spring. “It’s one of the later types of tulips to bloom,” says Longfellow Bilodeau. “But it’s suitable for growing zones 3 to 8 and reaches between 20 to 28 inches tall.” Hence, this gorgeous flower is worth the wait for many gardeners.

Zones: 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring
Size: 20 to 28 inches tall x 4 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

09 of 09

Parrot Tulip

Want a departure from the classic-looking tulip? Parrot tulips are late bloomers but add visual interest to a spring garden with their ruffled edges. “A very unique looking tulip, these have curled petals with interesting, variegated colors,” says Dilmore.