Double Late Tulips

Double Late Tulips are also called peony tulips and have beautiful, bowl-shaped, double flowers that resemble peonies. The flowers can be up to 12 cm across and are exceptionally long-lasting in flower.

Although it isn't the largest category of tulips, a glance at the available double late tulip varieties will quickly confirm that they are excellent choices for creating a spectacular garden.

Double late tulips, a true gardener's delight. Picture this: sumptuous, peony-like blooms gracing your garden with their opulent layers, each petal unfurling to reveal a tapestry of colour and texture. These tulips, often overlooked in favour of their more common cousins, bring a sense of drama and grandeur to any planting scheme.

What makes double late tulips so special? They can transform a spring garden into a veritable feast for the eyes. They bloom later in the season, extending the tulip season well into the warmer days of late spring. Their robust stems and lush, full blooms stand tall and proud, weathering the spring breezes with grace.

But it's not just their beauty that sets them apart. Double-late tulips are also wonderfully versatile. Whether you're planting en masse for a stunning border display, tucking them into containers for a patio surprise, or using them as striking cut flowers for your indoor arrangements, these tulips deliver on all fronts.

So, why choose double late tulips? Because they offer more than just a splash of colour; they bring a sense of luxury and elegance that can elevate your garden from the ordinary to the extraordinary. In the world of tulips, they are the grand finale—an unforgettable crescendo to the symphony of spring.

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. Here are the double late tulip bulbs that he would recommend you consider for your garden:

• Orange Princess: A slightly earlier tulip and the double form of Princess Irene. A stout orange flower but brimming with a warm orange glow.
• Finola: The closest replacement to the very popular Angelique, which is no longer grown. The greens and soft pinks make for a very photogenic tulip.
• Copper Image: A rusty orange tulip to pair with purples or blacks. I enjoy it just as it is. 

Planting double late tulip bulbs is a simple pleasure that promises a glorious reward. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to a spring display that would make any gardener proud.

Choose your site with care: Double late tulips thrive in well-drained soil and prefer a spot that enjoys full sun or partial shade. They are resilient and adaptable, but a little extra consideration in their placement can make all the difference.

Prepare your soil: Dig to a depth of about 30cm, loosening it well to ensure good drainage. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, giving your tulip bulbs the best possible start.

Plant the bulbs: Place them about 15 cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space them around 10-15 cm apart to allow room for their spectacular blooms to flourish. Planting in clusters or groups will create a more natural and impactful display.

Water thoroughly: After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the bulbs. As the autumn rains set in, nature will take care of much of the watering, but ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely during dry spells.

Add a light layer of mulch: This can be beneficial, helping to retain moisture and protect the bulbs from any severe winter weather. Come spring, as the ground begins to warm, your patience will be rewarded with a breathtaking show of double late tulips, each blooms a testament to your careful preparation.

Remember, the joy of gardening lies not just in the result but in the journey itself. Planting your double late tulip bulbs is a step towards creating a garden that brings beauty and happiness for many seasons to come.

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience
• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50
• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 
• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Yes, double late tulips can thrive in containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and is deep enough to accommodate the bulbs. Use high-quality potting mix and plant the bulbs at the same depth as you would in the ground. Containers can be moved to sunny spots to ensure the tulips get enough light.

After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This process helps the bulbs store energy for the next season. Avoid cutting the leaves too early but remove the seed heads as soon as the flower has finished. Once the foliage has yellowed and withered, it can be removed. If you wish, you can lift and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until autumn planting.

While double late tulips are generally hardy, they can be affected by diseases such as tulip fire or botrytis. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and practice crop rotation if planting in the same area yearly. If you notice any signs of disease, remove affected plants promptly to prevent spread.

Absolutely! Double late tulips pair beautifully with a variety of other spring flowers. Consider planting them alongside late-blooming daffodils, alliums, or single late tulips for a dynamic and colourful display. Their lush blooms also complement perennials that start to emerge later in the spring.

Double late tulips typically bloom for about two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Cooler temperatures can extend the blooming period, while warmer conditions may shorten it. To enjoy a prolonged display, consider planting a mix of early, mid-, and late-season tulips in your garden.

For the best results, it’s essential to plant your tulip bulbs under optimal conditions. For tips on enhancing the beauty of your tulips, check out our detailed tulip planting guide.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to assist with recommendations for stunning colour combinations, help you determine the right number of bulbs for your space, and address any landscape or trade inquiries you might have.