Fringed Tulips

Fringed Tulips are beautiful more recent introductions to the tulip world, with their elegant cup-shaped flowers and a beautiful crystal-like fringe to the edge. Fringed Tulips have a contemporary look and are equally at home in the cottage garden. 

All Tulips are excellent for cut flowers, except the shorter varieties. Bulb sizes are between 11-12 cm and 12/+ cm. 

Fringed Tulips, with their exquisite, lace-like edges, are a captivating choice for any garden. These tulips add a touch of elegance and whimsy, making them stand out among their more traditional counterparts. Here’s why you should consider adding these unique blooms to your garden:

Exquisite Beauty: Fringed Tulips are celebrated for their distinctively fringed petals that create a delicate, frosted effect. This unique feature adds an extra layer of visual interest and texture to your garden, transforming ordinary flower beds into extraordinary displays.

Vibrant Colours: Available in a stunning array of colours, from vivid reds and pinks to soft pastels and pure whites, Fringed Tulips can complement any garden design. Their vibrant hues and intricate petal edges catch the light beautifully, creating a dazzling effect that captivates the eye.

Long-Lasting Blooms: These tulips are not just a pretty face; they are also known for their durability. Fringed Tulips have sturdy stems that hold up well against wind and rain, ensuring their blooms remain pristine for an extended period. This resilience makes them an excellent choice for unpredictable spring weather.

Versatile Planting Options: Fringed Tulips are incredibly versatile and can be planted in various settings, including borders, beds, and containers. Their elegant form and striking appearance make them ideal for creating focal points or adding a touch of sophistication to mixed plantings.

Easy to Grow: Despite their luxurious appearance, Fringed Tulips are relatively easy to cultivate. They thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and require minimal care once planted. This makes them a perfect choice for both novice gardeners and those with busy schedules who still wish to enjoy beautiful blooms.

Excellent Cut Flowers: The charming fringes of these tulips make them a standout choice for floral arrangements. Whether displayed alone or combined with other spring flowers, Fringed Tulips bring a touch of elegance and refinement to indoor spaces.

Try weaving these into the tapestry of a well-planned garden. Fringed Tulips are the delicate, intricate stitches that add texture and depth. Use them as accents amongst the early greens 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 fringed tulip bulbs that he would recommend you consider for your garden:

• Gorilla: A powerful and dark tulip that will last an extraordinarily long time. I am always impressed by these flowers
• Batista: Perhaps a little complex for a lot of people, but the mottled colours and dense petals are something to experience.
• Lambada: All dancing puns aside, this is a serious tulip! Beautiful soft colours draw your eye to the fringed edge. 

Planting Fringed Tulip bulbs is a simple affair, that promises to reward you with some of the most enchanting blooms of the spring season. Follow these steps to ensure your Fringed Tulips flourish and bring a touch of elegance to your garden:

Choose the Right Location: Fringed Tulips thrive best in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Select a spot in your garden that gets plenty of light, ideally one that is sheltered from strong winds to protect the delicate fringes of the petals.

Prepare the Soil: Before planting, take time to prepare the soil. Loosen it to a depth of about 30 cm, removing any weeds or debris. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, enhancing its fertility and drainage capabilities.

Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig holes about 12-15 cm deep and place the bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 10-15 cm apart to give each plant enough room to grow and display its stunning blooms. The proper depth and spacing ensure the bulbs are well-supported and have enough nutrients to thrive.

Planting Time: The ideal time to plant Fringed Tulip bulbs is in the autumn, about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. This timing allows the bulbs to establish a strong root system before the onset of winter, preparing them for vigorous spring growth.

Watering: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to help them settle in. During the growing season, maintain moderate soil moisture, ensuring it is not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Mulching and Protection: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded bark, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides a layer of insulation, protecting the bulbs from extreme cold. In areas with harsh winters, consider adding a thicker layer of mulch for extra protection.

Supporting Large Blooms: As Fringed Tulips grow, their large, ornate blooms may need support. If your garden is exposed to strong winds, consider staking the plants or planting them near other sturdy plants that can offer support.

Post-Bloom Care: Once the tulips have finished blooming, remove the spent flowers to prevent seed formation. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this process enables the bulbs to store energy for the next growing season. Resist the urge to cut back the leaves prematurely; patience will be rewarded with stronger blooms next year.

With these careful steps, you can cultivate Fringed Tulips that will add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your garden. These captivating flowers, with their fringed edges and vibrant colours, are sure to become a highlight of your spring garden. 

• 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, Fringed Tulips can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with high-quality potting soil. Plant the bulbs about 12-15 cm deep and space them 10-15 cm apart. Ensure the container is placed in a sunny spot and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The bigger the pot the better you can regulate the moisture. 

Few pests bother tulips but rodents may find the bulbs over winter. You can apply a wire mesh but it is rarely needed.

If your Fringed Tulips do not bloom, it could be due to several factors. Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Overcrowding can also inhibit blooming, so check the spacing of your bulbs. Additionally, ensure the bulbs are not planted too shallowly, as this can affect their growth.

In most climates, Fringed Tulip bulbs can be left in the ground year-round. However, in areas with very wet winters or heavy clay soil, it’s best to lift and store the bulbs after the foliage has died back to prevent rot. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place and replant them in the autumn.

Planting fringed tulips in partial shade will help prolong the life of a tulip flower. Tulips open up in the sun which makes a very impressive display but can wear the tulip out a little quicker.

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.