Double flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, crowded with bright petals, top stems one to two feet tall, and a single stem will sometimes carry more than one bloom. The peony tulip, or late double tulip, is grown as much for bouquets as for flower beds; shelter those long stems from wind and the display is spectacular.
| Botanical name | Tulipa |
|---|---|
| Common name | peony tulip, late double tulip, peony-flowered tulip |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Type | bulb flower |
| Height | 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 cm) |
| Landscaping uses | garden box, flower bed, rock garden |
| Planting distance | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Exposure | full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | loamy clay, well-draining, cool |
| Planting | autumn |
| Flowering | mid-spring to late spring |
Particularly beloved of gardeners in recent years, the peony tulip family stand out thanks to their large double flowers which gives them their other name: late double tulip. Sometimes a single stem will even produce more than one flower!
There are a great many peony tulip varieties, but the most famous are without a doubt:
‘Carnaval de Nice’ also offers leaves edged in cream, giving interest before the buds even open.
The heavy double heads of varieties like ‘Uncle Tom’ and ‘Mount Tacoma’ soak up rain and can bow over, so give them a sheltered spot or discreet support.
Pick the largest, firmest bulbs on offer, avoiding any that are soft, mouldy or shrivelled, since a bigger bulb stores more energy and is generally more likely to flower well.
The best-known late double tulips differ above all in flower colour, and one or two bring extra interest beyond the bloom itself. Here is how the named varieties in this article compare.
| Variety | Flower colour | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Carnaval de Nice’ | White and red | Leaves edged in cream, interesting before the buds open |
| ‘Mount Tacoma’ | Immaculate white | Heavy head soaks up rain; wants shelter or discreet support |
| ‘Uncle Tom’ | Intense dark red | Heavy head that can bow over after rain |
| ‘Lilac perfection’ | Deep violet | Mimics the colour of lilac flowers |
| ‘Angélique’ | Pink fading to white | Colour shifts as the flower ages |
| ‘May Wonder’ | Bright pink | The most vivid of the group |
Whichever you choose, pick the largest, firmest bulbs on offer, as a bigger bulb is more likely to flower well.
Late double tulips grow long stems that are one to 2 feet tall (25 to 60 cm). As their name implies, they’re among the longest-blooming tulips, still opening up new flowers between April and May. The spectacular blooms each reach sizes of up to 4 inches (10 cm) thanks to multiple bright-colored petals that differ depending on the variety.
Though peony tulip is most often grown to decorate flower beds, it’s also a prime choice for bouquets. Indeed, each bloom lasts for several days, even after the stem has been cut. To savor the peony tulip for an even longer time in your bouquets, pick it while the flower bud is just barely opened.
As is common for most types of tulip, the peony tulip loves growing in light and well-draining soil. Best is to set your flowers in full sun locations, rather than shady spots. This will ensure they develop well. Peony tulip has very long stems. Though they are relatively sturdy and strong, it’s still best to make sure they’re properly sheltered from wind.
Apart from winter, regular watering will help it grow well, preferably at night after the sunset. Over the fall and during very dry winters, water your tulip bulbs occasionally to promote root growth and, subsequently, future blooming.
Plant your double tulips in flower beds, in rocky terrain, or even in deep containers.
Late double tulips easily coexist with early spring perennials, as they do with other tulips. Indeed, peony tulips scattered about here and there will help grow flower beds full of rich colors, appealing contrast, and spectacular shapes. Paired with botanical tulips and the stunning parrot tulip, it’ll work wonders!
Plant forget-me-nots, wallflowers or grape hyacinth over the bulbs so a low carpet of bloom hides the bare soil the peony tulip stems rise from.
Set peony tulips behind hardy geraniums, hostas or ferns, whose leaves unfurl just as the tulip foliage starts to yellow and needs to be left in place to feed the bulb.
The heavy double heads hold rainwater and bow, so give them neighbours with stiff stems to lean on.
Avoid pairing them with thirsty summer bedding that keeps the ground wet once the tulips have died back, since the resting bulbs rot in soggy soil.
