Apeldoorn
A classic Darwin Hybrid tulip with strong stems and large red flowers. Good for borders and cutting.
When to plant Tulips in Durham
Tulipa spp.
Tulips are hardy spring bulbs for a sunny, free-draining spot in the UK. Plant them late in autumn to reduce tulip fire, then enjoy the flowers in spring and leave the foliage to die back naturally.
45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Durham · last frost ≈ 10 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant Bulbs
16 Oct to 20 NovPlant bulbs around 16th October - 20th November, after the first frost, pointy end up. Set them about three times the bulb height deep. Space them apart in free-draining soil. Water in. Discard any bulb that is soft or mouldy.
- Cover the bed with chicken wire if squirrels dig. Wear gloves if the bulbs irritate your skin.
- Do not let pots or heavy ground stay waterlogged in winter.
03
Enjoy the Flowers
5 Apr to 31 May 2027Flowers open from 5th April 2027 through 31st May 2027. You can pick stems as the buds begin to colour.
04
Deadhead Spent Blooms
17 May to 21 Jun 2027From 17th May - 21st June 2027, take off faded flowers. Leave the stem and leaves in place. Do not tie them or cut them back early.
05
Leave Foliage to Die Back
31 May to 19 Jul 2027Leave the leaves for about six weeks after flowering, from 31st May - 19th July 2027. Clear them only once they have yellowed. Do not knot them.
- Many hybrid tulips are best replanted each year. That is not a second method.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tulip.
Good companions
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Tulip to consider
Strong Gold
A reliable yellow Darwin Hybrid tulip with good weather resistance and sturdy stems.
Queen of Night
A deep maroon Single Late tulip with a tall, elegant flower on a strong stem.
Ballerina
A lily-flowered tulip with orange, scented flowers and good shape for cutting.
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Explore similar plants you might like
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
Tulip guides by town
See how Tulip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.