30 red tulips

Red tulips (Tulipa gesneriana L.) are classic spring flowers that bring bold color to gardens and cut flower arrangements. These vibrant blooms range from traditional egg-shaped flowers to ruffled parrot varieties, and they come in shades from bright scarlet to deep crimson. Below are thirty red tulip varieties well-suited for home gardens.

‘Apeldoorn’ tulip

‘Apeldoorn’ is a classic red Darwin Hybrid tulip with vibrant scarlet petals and a traditional egg-shaped form. The flowers stand 20 to 24 inches tall and measure 4 to 6 inches wide when fully open. ‘Apeldoorn’ blooms in mid-spring and makes an excellent cut flower with its long, sturdy stems. This variety is known for its strong performance and reliability in the garden.

‘Red Impression’ tulip

‘Red Impression’ is a tall Darwin Hybrid tulip with deep red petals and a sturdy stem that makes it ideal for cutting. The plants reach 22 to 24 inches tall and produce flowers 3 to 6 inches wide in mid-spring. This variety is resistant to disease and often perennializes when planted deeply in well-drained soil with full sun. ‘Red Impression’ works well in both garden beds and formal floral arrangements.

‘Red Dynasty’ tulip

‘Red Dynasty’ produces giant 5-inch flowers on stems that stand 24 to 26 inches tall. This Darwin Hybrid tulip blooms in mid-spring with bright red petals and a classic tulip shape. The variety is disease-resistant and produces large blooms that hold up well to spring weather. ‘Red Dynasty’ is one of the most popular red tulips for home gardens.

‘Rococo’ parrot tulip

‘Rococo’ is a parrot tulip with ruffled, feathered petals in deep red. The outer petals are heavily fringed and create a voluminous appearance that stands out in garden beds. The flowers bloom in late spring on 14-inch stems and measure 3 to 6 inches wide. ‘Rococo’ makes a dramatic addition to cut flower bouquets with its long-lasting blooms.

‘Red Riding Hood’ tulip

‘Red Riding Hood’ is a compact tulip with bright red petals and a black center. The variety grows 10 to 12 inches tall and blooms in mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. What makes this cultivar distinctive is its dark purple-green variegated foliage that provides ornamental value even before the flowers open. The leaves feature bold stripes that complement the red blooms.

‘Red Emperor’ tulip

‘Red Emperor’ (also sold as ‘Madame Lefeber’) is a Fosteriana tulip with large scarlet flowers. This heirloom variety grows 14 to 16 inches tall and blooms in early to mid-spring. ‘Red Emperor’ perennializes easily when planted in well-drained soil and is known for its ability to return year after year. The flowers open wide in full sun to reveal a yellow-black center.

‘Kingsblood’ tulip

‘Kingsblood’ has scarlet-red petals and a classic egg shape. The plants grow 24 to 26 inches tall and bloom in late spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. This variety produces solid red blooms with no streaking or variegation. ‘Kingsblood’ is one of the best solid red tulip varieties for spring borders and mass plantings.

‘Estella Rijnveld’ tulip

‘Estella Rijnveld’ is a parrot tulip with white petals marked by red flames. The heavily fringed flowers bloom in late spring on 20-inch stems and measure 3 to 6 inches wide. The red markings appear as irregular streaks and feathering across the white background. This variety creates a striking contrast when planted near solid-colored tulips.

‘Grand Perfection’ tulip

‘Grand Perfection’ features white petals speckled and streaked with crimson red. The flowers bloom in mid-spring on stems 14 to 16 inches tall and measure 3 to 6 inches wide. The red markings vary from flower to flower, creating a unique appearance on each bloom. This bicolor variety works well in containers and spring borders.

‘Banja Luka’ tulip

‘Banja Luka’ is a Darwin Hybrid tulip with yellow petals heavily streaked with red. The flowers grow 22 inches tall and bloom in mid to late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The yellow base color shows through at the petal edges while red flames cover most of the flower surface. ‘Banja Luka’ is a natural sport mutation of ‘Apeldoorn’.

‘Esperanto’ tulip

‘Esperanto’ is a viridiflora tulip with petals in shades of pink, rose, and deep red accented by a green stripe. The flowers grow 12 inches tall and bloom in late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The green stripe runs down the center of each petal, creating a distinctive appearance. This variety adds unique color and texture to spring containers.

‘Peppermint Stick’ tulip

‘Peppermint Stick’ has slender petals alternating between bright white and red. The flowers grow only 10 inches tall and bloom in early to mid-spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. This species tulip (Tulipa clusiana) has a candy cane appearance and can perennialize in the garden. The variety works well as an edging plant along borders and walkways.

‘Lalibela’ tulip

‘Lalibela’ produces bright red flowers with a classic tulip shape. The plants grow 22 inches tall and bloom in mid to late spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The petals are a solid red color without streaking or variegation. ‘Lalibela’ is a Darwin Hybrid variety known for its strong stems and weather resistance.

‘Candy Apple Delight’ tulip

‘Candy Apple Delight’ has red and white petals that create a contrasting color pattern. The flowers grow 16 inches tall and bloom in mid to late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The red and white coloring appears in irregular patterns across each petal. This variety works well in mixed plantings with solid-colored tulips.

‘Amber Glow’ tulip

‘Amber Glow’ features red petals with an amber-colored base. The flowers grow 16 inches tall and bloom in mid to late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The warm amber tones at the petal base transition to bright red toward the tips. This variety creates a warm color palette when planted in groups.

‘Pamplona’ tulip

‘Pamplona’ is a double early tulip with bright red peony-like flowers. The plants grow 12 to 16 inches tall and bloom in early to mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The multiple layers of petals create a full, rounded appearance. ‘Pamplona’ is named after the Spanish city and brings bold color to early spring gardens.

‘Firespray’ tulip

‘Firespray’ produces multiple flowers on each stem and has lightly scented red petals. The plants grow only 8 to 12 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. This multi-flowering variety produces 3 to 5 blooms per stem. The compact size makes ‘Firespray’ well-suited for front-of-border plantings and containers.

‘Escape’ tulip

‘Escape’ has vibrant red petals and a classic egg shape. The flowers grow 16 to 20 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The intense red color creates a carpet effect when planted in large groups. This variety performs well in both borders and raised beds.

‘Valery Gergiev’ tulip

‘Valery Gergiev’ is a fringed tulip with purplish-red petals edged with delicate fringe. The flowers grow 18 inches tall and bloom in late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The fringed edges give the blooms a soft, textured appearance. This variety adds elegance to spring borders and works well as a cut flower.

‘Anfield’ tulip

‘Anfield’ produces raspberry-red double flowers with heavily fringed petals. The plants grow 12 inches tall and bloom in late spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The multiple layers of spiky petals create a dramatic appearance. This compact variety works well in containers and front borders.

‘Bull’s Eye’ tulip

‘Bull’s Eye’ is a viridiflora tulip with red tufts emerging from green petals. The flowers grow 14 to 16 inches tall and bloom in late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The green outer petals surround red inner petals, creating a target-like appearance. This unusual variety adds unique color contrast to spring plantings.

‘Engadin’ tulip

‘Engadin’ has yellow-edged petals with a blood-red stripe down the center. The flowers grow 14 inches tall and bloom in early to mid-spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The butter-yellow edges create a frame around the red central stripe. This Kaufmanniana tulip opens wide in sunshine.

‘Red Matador’ tulip

‘Red Matador’ produces funnel-shaped flowers with bright red petals. The plants grow 24 to 26 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The intense red color resembles a matador’s uniform. This variety has strong stems that make it excellent for cutting.

‘Flames Mystery’ tulip

‘Flames Mystery’ is a lily-flowered tulip with twisted red petals and a creamy white base. The flowers grow only 10 inches tall and bloom in early spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. A yellow center becomes visible when the flowers open fully. The narrow, pointed petals give this variety an elegant appearance.

‘Halley’s Comet’ tulip

‘Halley’s Comet’ has bright yellow petals marked with vibrant red flames. The flowers grow 22 to 24 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The red markings appear as irregular streaks across the yellow background. This Darwin Hybrid variety creates striking color combinations when planted with solid-colored tulips.

‘On The Double’ red tulip

‘On The Double’ is a double tulip with pink outer petals and a red inner tuft. The flowers grow 14 to 16 inches tall and bloom in late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. Green outer petals wrap around the pink and red inner petals, creating a layered appearance. The flowers reveal their full red center when they open completely.

‘Scarlet Majesty’ tulip

‘Scarlet Majesty’ produces large peony-like double flowers with bright red petals. The plants grow 18 to 20 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The multiple layers of petals create a full, rounded bloom. This variety makes an excellent cut flower with its large size and vibrant color.

‘Red Pride’ tulip

‘Red Pride’ has large bell-shaped flowers with bright red petals. The plants grow 22 inches tall and bloom in mid-spring with flowers 3 to 6 inches wide. The classic form and solid color make this variety versatile for various garden settings. ‘Red Pride’ works well in formal plantings and mixed borders.

‘Red Purissima’ tulip

‘Red Purissima’ is a Fosteriana tulip with bright red petals and a yellow base. The flowers grow 18 inches tall and bloom in early spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. The yellow center becomes visible when the flowers open in sunshine. This variety perennializes well and returns reliably in subsequent years.

Variatie red tulip mixture

The Variatie red mixture includes parrot, funnel-shaped, and lily-flowering tulips in shades from bright red to scarlet. The flowers grow 16 to 20 inches tall and bloom from early to late spring with a width of 3 to 6 inches. This blend provides variety in both form and bloom time. The mixture creates a layered look when planted in groups.

Growing red tulips

Red tulips grow best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Plant bulbs in fall, 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Choose a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Tulips need a cold dormancy period and will not bloom reliably in warm climates without pre-chilling.

Water bulbs after planting and again in early spring when shoots emerge. Soil should stay moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer when shoots first appear and again after blooming. Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, but leave foliage in place until it turns yellow. The leaves produce energy for next year’s bloom.

Most red tulips bloom in USDA Zones 3 to 8. Darwin Hybrids and species tulips like ‘Peppermint Stick’ are more likely to perennialize than other types. For the best chance of repeat blooming, plant bulbs deeply (8 inches or more) and avoid overwatering during summer dormancy. Some gardeners treat tulips as annuals and replant fresh bulbs each fall for consistent spring color.