Tulips are one of the most iconic signs that spring has arrived. With their striking colors and elegant blooms, tulips bring life and energy to gardens across the world. But beyond the classic cup-shaped flower many people imagine, tulips come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and bloom styles—each offering something beautifully unique. From delicate lily-flowering forms to bold, double-petaled varieties, this guide highlights six of the most beautiful and unique tulip types that will elevate any garden or bouquet.
Table of Contents
1. Single Tulip
Simple, elegant, and timeless, the single tulip is the classic variety that most people picture when they think of tulips. These blooms have a smooth, cup-shaped form with six petals and come in an extraordinary range of colors—from vivid reds and purples to soft pastels and bold bi-colored patterns.
Single tulips are divided into two groups based on their bloom time: early and late.
- Single early tulips bloom in late March or early April and typically grow up to 17 inches tall.
- Single late tulips bloom in May and can reach heights of around 30 inches, making them ideal for tall borders and floral displays.
Despite their minimalist structure, these tulips pack a vibrant punch in garden beds or containers. Popular cultivars include ‘Purple Prince’, ‘Diana’, ‘Queen of the Night’, and ‘Avignon’.
If you’re just getting started with growing tulips, singles are a great place to begin—they’re dependable, colorful, and adapt well to most garden styles.
2. Double Tulip
For gardeners who love bold, dramatic blooms, the double tulip is a must-have. These lush flowers feature layers of petals that give them a full, rounded appearance—so much so that they’re often mistaken for peonies. Their rich, multi-petaled form adds a sense of luxury and romance to any spring garden.
Like single tulips, doubles are classified as early or late bloomers:
- Double early tulips bloom in April and grow up to 15 inches tall.
- Double late tulips, which appear in May, can grow as tall as 24 inches, creating impressive focal points in flower beds or containers.
Due to their size and weight, some varieties may require light staking, especially in windy or rainy weather. But the payoff is worth it—their blossoms are long-lasting and visually striking.
Some standout varieties include ‘Angelique’ (a soft pink favorite), ‘Orange Princess’, ‘Mount Tacoma’, and ‘Miranda’. Whether you prefer pastel tones or bright hues, there’s a double tulip to match your garden palette.
These tulips are perfect for cut flower arrangements too, offering exceptional vase life and show-stopping beauty.
3. Lily-Flowering Tulip
Graceful and refined, the lily-flowering tulip adds elegance to spring displays with its uniquely shaped petals. Unlike the standard tulip, this variety features slender petals that taper to a point and flare outward, forming a star-like bloom reminiscent of a lily.
These tulips typically bloom in late spring, around May, and can grow up to 24 inches tall, making them an ideal choice for creating vertical interest in borders or cutting gardens. Their upright, elegant silhouette sways gently in the breeze, adding motion and softness to garden compositions.
Lily-flowering tulips are available in a wide array of colors, including pink, peach, purple, red, yellow, and white. Some of the most admired cultivars include ‘Ballerina’ (orange with a spicy fragrance), ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘China Pink’, and ‘White Triumphator’.
If you’re looking to introduce a bit of grace and architectural flair to your flower beds, these tulips provide both structure and beauty.
4. Fringed (Crispa) Tulip
For a touch of whimsy and texture, the fringed tulip—also known as Crispa tulip—is a standout. These blooms feature delicately serrated or frilly petal edges that resemble lace or the trim on a party hat, giving them a festive, almost surreal appearance in the garden.
Fringed tulips typically bloom in late spring and can reach heights of up to 30 inches, making them one of the taller tulip varieties. Their fringes can either match the main petal color or provide a contrasting accent, creating a striking visual effect.
They come in a broad palette of shades, from soft pinks and whites to deep purples and yellows. Popular cultivars include ‘Cummins’ (lavender with white fringes), ‘Fancy Frills’, ‘Hamilton’, and ‘Burgundy Lace’.
These tulips not only add unique form and texture to garden beds, but they also make excellent cut flowers for adding flair to spring arrangements.
If you’re looking to add visual drama and tactile interest, fringed tulips will bring something special to your floral lineup.
5. Rembrandt Tulip
If you’re drawn to flowers that tell a story, the Rembrandt tulip is a fascinating chapter in the history of horticulture. Named after the famed Dutch painter, these tulips feature painterly streaks and flame-like markings across their petals, creating a look that resembles brush strokes on canvas.
Their dramatic coloration isn’t the result of selective breeding—it originated from a viral infection known as the tulip-breaking virus, which caused the stunning streaked effect. While visually striking, the virus was harmful to other plants, so true Rembrandt tulips were eventually removed from commercial production.
Today, what you find labeled as a Rembrandt tulip is typically a modern hybrid bred to mimic the original look without the virus. These tulips often bloom in mid to late spring and are cherished by collectors and history lovers alike.
Though less common in home gardens, Rembrandt-style tulips offer a vintage charm that brings depth and conversation to any planting scheme.
6. Parrot Tulip
Vibrant, flamboyant, and full of personality, the parrot tulip lives up to its tropical name. With its ruffled, feather-like petals and vivid color combinations, this variety brings bold drama to spring gardens. The blooms often twist and curl in unusual ways, giving them a dynamic, almost surreal look.
Parrot tulips are typically late bloomers, appearing in late spring, and can grow up to 24 inches tall. Their unusual petal shapes often resemble a parrot’s beak or wings in flight, and they come in an eye-catching mix of reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, purples, and even multicolored blends.
Standout varieties include ‘Flaming Parrot’ (yellow with red flames), ‘Estella Rijnveld’, ‘Rococo’, and ‘Black Parrot’. Because of their showy appearance, these tulips are especially popular in bouquets and feature gardens where they can truly stand out.
If you’re looking to make a bold impression, parrot tulips are the statement piece your spring display needs.
Final Thoughts
From the classic simplicity of single blooms to the flamboyant flair of parrot varieties, tulips offer an incredible range of beauty, form, and color. Whether you prefer refined elegance or bold statements, there’s a tulip type to match every style and season. By planting a mix of early, mid, and late-blooming varieties, you can enjoy a continuous display of tulips all spring long.
These remarkable flowers not only bring joy to gardens but also to patios, borders, and floral arrangements, making them one of the most versatile and beloved blooms in horticulture.