When you visit Holland during Spring, you’ll see absolute flower heaven: fields filled with daffodils, hyacinths, and of course, tulips! The Netherlands is the world’s largest producer and exporter of tulips and tulip bulbs. Over time, the tulip has even become an unofficial national symbol of the Netherlands. With so many tulip varieties and colours, this flower is a must-have for florist during spring. Let’s dive into the colourful world of tulips and explore their varieties, origin, and how to care for them!
The origin of tulips
Let’s first talk about the origin of the tulip. Contrary to popular belief, tulips didn’t originate in the Netherlands. Their journey began in the wild valleys of the Tian Shan Mountains, which lies in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Fast forward to the late 1500s, and tulips made their big debut in Western Europe and the Netherlands, all thanks to a plant expert named Carolus Clusius from the University of Leiden. He got his hands on some tulip bulbs from what's now Turkey, planted them in the university's garden, and boom: people fell in love with them!
Tulips adapted to new climates and environments on their journey to Europe, and that’s why there are so many tulip varieties now. Their adventure from Central Asia to the Netherlands is one for the books, and it’s part of what makes tulips so fascinating.
“Tulips are one of the most versatile spring flowers out there.“
When are tulips in season?
Tulips are known as the perfect spring flowers, but they are already available in winter. The peak blooming period is usually from the beginning of the year to May, depending on the variety, but you can find them in our web shop as early as December. Their availability makes them a good choice for bringing a touch of spring to the colder months.
Did you know that in the Netherlands, we celebrate the start of the tulip season on the third Saturday of January? Each year we celebrate the National Tulip Day, this year with more than 200,000 tulips!
At Hoek flowers, we work together with many amazing growers to get you high-quality tulips at the best prices. Whether you’re looking for traditional varieties to brighten up your winter, or bold, unique varieties for your spring arrangements, our selection has you covered.
Tulip varieties and their differences
Like we said before, tulips come in all different shapes, sizes, and colours, making them one of the most versatile spring flowers out there. Here’s your go-to guide to all the varieties of tulips you can find in the Hoek flowers web shop.
Single tulips
Known as the "original" tulip, single tulips are simple and classic. With their cup-shaped petals and strong, hardy stems, they’re the first tulips to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter. These tulips are available in a rainbow of colors, making them an easy pick for any occasion.
Double tulips
Unlike a single tulip, the double tulip is all about the layers. With extra petals that create a fuller, more luxurious look, they’re often referred to as ‘peony tulips’. Their dramatic appearance makes them a popular choice for wedding bouquets or arrangements. Double tulips are the perfect tulips for when you are looking for something ‘extra.’
Parrot tulips
If you’re looking for something wild and cool, parrot tulips are it. These tulips are known for their curly edges and feathery petals that look a lot like a parrot’s feathers. These fancy petals make each flower really stand out and give it a wild and exciting look. Because their petals are so fancy and detailed, parrot tulips are usually more fragile than other kinds of tulips.
French tulips
French tulips are famous for their long, strong stems, often growing up to 30 inches in length. This long(er) stem makes them a perfect choice for creating tall and impressive flower arrangements, such as big and large bouquets or centrepieces. French tulips look different from the regular tulips you know. Instead of a cup shape, they have a longer and fancier look, kind of like a flute. Their petals are bigger and more open, making them look elegant and almost like royalty.
Frilly – Lily tulips
Frilly Lily tulips are the definition of delicate and chic, and people love them for it. These tulips have petals like fringes and feather, which makes them look like lilies. Frilly Lily tulips make all flower arrangements look elegant and classy. The sharp, feathered edges of their petals make them stand out in any floral design.
Crown tulips
Crown tulips get their name from their unique crown-like shape in the middle of the flower. This crown is different from other tulips, and makes them stand out in flower arrangements. It’s like their own cool centrepiece of the flower.
How to condition tulips
For the new tulip lovers among us, here are some tulip prepping tips to keep your tulips looking fresh and vibrant.
- When you receive your tulips, put them in cold water right away. Remember to use a clean vase and tools to avoid any bacteria.
- Take off any leaves that touch the water. This keeps the water clean, and less leaves means more attention goes to the flower!
- Let your tulips drink the water for about an hour to help stiffen. After that, add some flower food to the water for an extra nutrient boost.
- Keep your tulips cool and out of direct sunlight to help them last longer.
- Change the water and trim the stems every couple of days. If your tulips start to droop, wrap the stems in paper and pop them in some water to help make them strong again.
Get creative with tulips
Now that we’ve covered everything from their history to their varieties and care tips, it’s time to get creative with these amazing flowers. Whether you go for classic single tulips or bold parrot varieties, there’s a tulip for every design. At Hoek flowers, we have an extensive assortment of tulips, so you’re sure to find the perfect ones for your next project. Share them with us on Instagram and don’t forget to tag us @hoekflowers. We’d love to see what you make!
