Tulipa Plaisir Tulip Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Plant Tulipa Plaisir bulbs in autumn before the first frost, and early the next spring, they wake up the garden with big, very bright, bicolor blooms. Borne singly atop short stems rising to only about 10 inches and set against a backdrop of variegated lance-shaped gray-green leaves marked with deep purple stripes, the bowl-shaped blooms make a bold statement in the garden with their carmine-red coloring, broad white margins on each petal, and black-striped yellow center. These brilliant blooms make exciting bouquets and mixed floral arrangements.

A Tulipa greigii cultivar, Plaisir is a bulbous perennial but is often grown as an annual. In ideal growing conditions, Plaisir tulips may naturalize, returning year after year. Tulips look their best when planted in groups in beds and borders, in masses under deciduous trees in the landscape, or in large sweeping drifts in open woodlands. Tulips mix well with other spring-blooming bulbs and planting several different varieties of tulips will extend the flowering time. They work beautifully in any style garden, but they're a must-have for cottage, informal, and rock gardens. Tulips also make a great ground cover, which can be especially useful for controlling erosion during spring rains. They grow well in patio pots and can be forced for indoor blooms in winter.

The Plaisir tulip is cold hardy—to Zone 3— and is super easy to grow and maintain. Tulips typically like sunny locations, but in warmer climates, some light shade may extend their bloom time by keeping them cool. Tulips grow best in average to nutrient-rich, free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Just be sure when planting to allow adequate space between bulbs and plant them at the proper depth—4 to 8 inches apart and 4 to 8 inches deep. Feed bulbs with a well-balanced fertilizer, like Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food, as soon as growth begins in spring to encourage robust flowering in both the current season and the following spring season. Remove spent flowers immediately but allow the leaves to turn yellow and wither before removing. In USDA Zones 8-10, refrigerate the bulbs for no less than eight weeks.

Visit our Bulb Supplies page to find all the tools and materials you need to plant and maintain your bulb plants successfully.