Guest Author - Nikki Phipps

Tulips make welcome additions to nearly any garden. It’s no surprise that tulips are one of the most popular spring-blooming flowers. Tulips are not only beautiful but versatile as well. They can be found in a rainbow of colors with a wide range of growing conditions. These lovely bulbs are available in so many types that there’s bound to be one that fits your region and your gardening style. Tulips make great cut flowers and work well in beds, borders, and even containers. Healthy tulip bulbs should be fat and firm.

Tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall, approximately seven weeks before hard frost is expected. Typically, northern states should plant tulip bulbs in September or October while southern states should plant them in October or November. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil preferably in a sunny location of the garden. Tulips look great with a variety of other plantings. With tulips, there is little maintenance with exception to general care; however, pests, like chipmunks and squirrels may become a nuisance, scouting out and devouring their bulbs. Deep plantings or within mesh bags can alleviate the problem. Deer and rabbits may sometimes visit the garden to nibble on their flowers. Placing pest-repellent plants in the garden with your tulips will help keep them at bay.

Darwin Hybrid Tulips—these tall, midseason tulips make outstanding additions to beds and borders. Their big, bright blooms are available in numerous shades and cultivars.
Double Early Tulips—these large, double-flowered tulips resemble peonies. They are also early bloomers and look lovely planed in front borders.
Double Late Tulips—these late-blooming tulips are double flowered and may require staking or other suitable support. They are long lasting and highly fragrant, perfect for bouquets.
Fosteriana Tulips—plant these tulips in masses within borders for late-season blooming.
Fringed Tulips—fringed tulips have single blooms with lacy or fringe-like edges. They bloom mid to late season. Use them in beds and borders. These tulips also make exceptional cut-flower specimens.
Greigii Tulips—these somewhat dwarf, early-blooming tulips look great in beds and borders as well as containers and rock gardens. Their wavy-edged leaves are mottled with maroon.
Kaufmanniana Tulips—also called Waterlily, this early-blooming, dwarf tulip has star-like flowers in stunning colors. They’re excellent additions to rock gardens.
Lily-Flowered Tulips—beautiful mid to late season tulips with slender, striking colors. What makes this variety stand out is the pointed petals that flare out, resembling that of a lily.
Multi-Flowered Tulips—wonderful tulips for bouquets with their long-lasting, multi-flowered stems.
Parrot Tulips—these large, showy tulips have fringed petals and make great accents in the garden or as cut flowers later in the season.
Rembrandt Tulips—‘true’ varieties not typically available but many look-alikes are. These tulips sparked ‘Tulipmania’. The striped flowers are the result of a virus and look splendid in the garden.
Single Early Tulips—many of these low-growing, early-blooming tulips are sweetly scented. Stick them in beds, borders, or containers.
Single Late Tulips—very reliable tulip late season tulips with many colors available. Place them in beds or borders in mass plantings for greatest effect.
Triumph Tulips—these midseason hybrids also have large flowers. They’re great for containers and make good forced or cur flowers.
Vividiflora Tulips—also called Green tulips, this single-flowered, spring bloomer has leaf-green edges or streaked petals in pastel shades. Very interesting tulip.
Wild Tulip Cultivars—these compact plants make great additions to rock, herb, or container gardens. They can also be used for naturalizing.