The fifth class, according to modern classification canons, opens the largest group of tulips - the third. It includes as many as 7 classes of tulips, divided by external characteristics and features, as well as a huge number of different varieties. Simple late tulips are the most popular category for gardeners living in temperate climates. Such flowers can be found in almost every yard with the onset of spring.
A little history.
Simple late tulips were united under one name and entered the fifth class relatively recently. The classification was officially revised in 1981. Scientists carefully checked and sorted the varieties, some were abolished, and some were combined into new groups. Thus, the previously abolished varieties of Darwin tulips were added to the group of simple late tulips. In addition, the class was replenished with Cottage and Breeder tulips, in addition to some varieties that moved to other classes.
Today, these varieties are not very popular, and in Holland they occupy no more than 4% of the total plantings. The most common are hybrid and natural varieties of increased decorativeness and resistance to cold.
Simple late tulips general description.
The fifth class of tulips is formed by combining varieties with common characteristics, but all of them can differ significantly from each other in colors and other parameters. In the English classification today, this section also includes multi-flowered varieties, French and the famous Sperghes hybrids.
A distinctive characteristic of tulips from the fifth class is that they are all tall, with powerful, dense flower stalks. Most varieties bloom singly, but there are varieties that produce 3-5 buds on one peduncle.
Among the representatives of the class there are also varieties that are distinguished by an interesting feature that makes them more decorative. We are talking about variegation, which is provoked not by a viral disease, but by a genetic feature. Flower growers do not need to worry about diseases - almost all representatives of this class have genetic resistance, endurance, as well as the ability to adapt to the climatic conditions of the region in which they are grown.
Flowering dates.
Fifth class varieties are characterized by late flowering, unlike other varieties. They are practically not used for winter forcing precisely for this reason, since their growing season is longer and development occurs at a slightly slower pace. But this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. Such tulips grow well in those regions where warm weather sets in later, and they also tolerate frosty winters better without shelter.
Popular varieties.
Based on external characteristics, it is not always easy to determine whether tulips belong to the fifth class, however, their main characteristics are considered to be late flowering, as well as the absence of terry and fringed border. What varieties are popular from this class?
Tulip variety Avignon.
The Avignon tulip variety (see photo) is a leader among florist preferences, especially among beginners and amateurs, as it is very simple and unpretentious to grow, and is also ideal for cutting. Avignon grows about 65-75 cm, it has powerful and dense stems surrounded by leaves, which are arranged in a regular order. The Avignon variety has large, up to 12 cm in height, goblet-shaped flowers that open around mid-May.
The petals are elongated, oval in shape. The main shade of the petals is red, but in the center of each there is a light vein, and along the edges there is a shading border of a yellow, fiery hue. This tulip has very large basal leaves. They have a peak-shaped shape and pronounced arcuate veins.
Tulip variety Dreamland.
The Dreamland tulip variety (see photo) is an achievement of Dutch breeders, which they can rightfully be proud of. These are very delicate flowers, cultivated for cutting and gardening in large quantities. Dreamland, with its unusual color, is very different from many other representatives of the class.
Its large, elongated flowers are painted in a white-pinkish tint. The bottom of the petal is white. Approximately in the center there is a soft transition to a raspberry-pinkish tint, which fills the upper part of the petal. This variety is one of the few that is more suitable for winter forcing, but even it needs special conditions.
Tulip variety Red Georgette.
The Red Georgette tulip variety (see photo) is unique in its kind and is quite different from the traditional single-blooming varieties. This Dutch variety has existed relatively recently, and it has become a leader among lovers of multi-flowered varieties, since due to its decorativeness and unpretentiousness it can be used for landscaping any area. The traditional red color of the petals, rich shade and resistance to viruses have become its main advantage.
The plant can reach a height of 60-65 cm maximum, the stems are leafy - the spade-shaped petals are arranged oppositely, and there is also a basal rosette. Several peduncles are formed at the top of the stem, the maximum number of buds is 7-8 pieces. They begin to bloom in the first half of May, maximum by the middle of this month. Before flowering, the tulip needs mineral fertilizer.
Tulip variety Queen of Night.
Tulip Queen of Knight (see photo), whose name means “Queen of the Night”, received such a mysterious, fantastic name due to its color, which Dutch breeders were able to reproduce. There are not many varieties with a similar shade of petals, so it is considered rare and very decorative. Queen of Knight is able to adapt to hot climates, and at the same time grows no worse in regions where frosts are severe in winter.
This variety has other features that make it stand out from the rest - it blooms longer than others, is more resistant to sunlight and does not lose its decorative effect, even in the hottest weather. The tulip blooms in the second half of May. The height of the flower is no less than 50 cm, and the goblet-shaped bowls of the flowers are no more than 12 cm. The petals are painted in a thick, dark purple hue, which is why this variety is popularly called “black tulip.” The only drawback is that it does not combine equally well with all colors in the flower garden.
Tulip variety Maureen.
The Maurin tulip variety (see photo) is the personification of spring, purity and tenderness. This is a tall flower with regular, chiseled lines and a perfectly uniform color. Maurin is distinguished by its non-leafy, smooth and powerful stem, which makes it suitable for cutting. The basal leaves are narrow, peak-shaped and very long - up to 45-50 cm. The height of the plant itself is up to 70 cm.
The goblet inflorescences differ in shape - they are wider than those of other varieties and with clearer lines. The petals are the most delicate, white shade without inclusions or strokes. The maximum duration of the flowering phase for this variety is 10-14 days. It is grown in partial shade or shade, since the tulip is too sensitive to light and immediately opens under the sun's rays.
Tulip variety Orange Bouquet.
The Orange Bouquet tulip variety (see photo) is another multi-flowered masterpiece created through the efforts of breeders from Holland. In addition to the fact that it is multi-flowered, it also has a feature characteristic of the fifth class of tulips - variegation. The stems of Orange Bouquet are cylindrical, powerful, about 60 cm high.
The total number of buds on a peduncle is up to 7 pieces. They all bloom one by one, from about mid to late May. Flowers, tapering towards the top, up to 10 cm in height, goblet-shaped. The petals are colored red-orange. The Orange Bouquet variety tolerates winter well and has a high reproduction rate.
Primavera tulip variety.
The Primavera variety (see photo) does not have any supernatural features, but in its simplicity and modesty it is no less beautiful. The flowers are goblet-shaped, not too tall, no more than 10 cm. At the base, the diameter of the flower is always a little wider, but not significantly, as can be observed in many other varieties.
The height of the entire plant, in general, is up to 60 cm. The leaves are basal, wide and long, almost as tall as the stem. The petals are colored pinkish, and at the tops there is a lightened creamy border. The Primavera variety reproduces well, not only by vegetative, traditional methods, but also by seeds.
Shirley tulip variety.
Shirley tulips (see photo) are unique, with exotic colors and good growth potential. These are plants of medium height with tall, goblet-shaped flowers of unconventional colors. The above-ground part of the plant is up to 70 cm in height, with an impressive, powerful stem and a lush basal rosette of leaves.
Flowers with clearly defined lines, goblet-shaped, with a square bottom. The petals are a soft cream color, with a beautiful crimson shading along the edges, which can be more or less saturated. Shirley is a suitable variety for forcing, cutting and gardening.
For convenience, it was decided to divide all available species, varieties and hybrids according to the international classification into 4 groups and 15 classes.
Group I - early flowering
1st class
Simple early tulips (Single Early)
They are one of the first to bloom - at the end of April. Varieties from this group are low - up to 40 cm. The flower is 5-8 cm high, goblet-shaped. The coloring is mainly in warm colors (red and yellow). In sunny weather, their flowers open wide. Varieties of this group are good for early forcing. The reproduction rate is low.
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2nd class
Terry early tulips (Double Early)
The plants are low, up to 20-35 cm (although there are exceptions), the flowers are double. They bloom 3-6 days later than the simple early ones. Flowering is quite long.
Tulips from this group are very popular among landscape designers. The fact is that due to the low stem they do not fall over and the flowers in the garden look very neat. Sufficiently large, double and densely double flowers do not fade for a long time, turning flower beds into a continuous blooming carpet. Suitable for forcing, but not for cutting. They will look best planted in pots or flowerpots in a composition with hyacinths and crocuses. They reproduce quite well.
II group medium-blooming
3rd grade
Triumph - tulips (Triumph)
The color of the flowers of tulips in this group ranges from white to dark purple; varieties with two-color colors are often found. They bloom in late April - early May, for quite a long time. The glasses of the flower never open completely into a flat cake. Resistant to wind and rain.
The plants are quite tall - 40-60 cm. Very impressive in the landscape. Good for cutting. The reproduction rate is average.
4th grade
Darwin Hybrids
The plants are very tall - 60-80 cm. The flowers are goblet-shaped, mostly pink and red, there are varieties of double color. They bloom quite early, in early May. The flowers tend to open completely and fade fairly quickly. These tulips are resistant to the variegation virus, tolerate spring frosts well, are stored for a long time when cut, and tolerate transportation well.
The leaves are wide, so they need to be planted at a distance greater than usual. The reproduction rate is high.
Group III - late bloomers
5th grade
Single Late
These are tall, up to 75 cm, and powerful plants. The flowers are large, goblet-shaped with a square base and wide, blunt-pointed petals. Color ranges from white to purple, almost black, many varieties have a two-tone color. They bloom in mid-May. Among the varieties of simple late tulips, there are multi-flowered varieties that have from 3 to 5 flowers on one peduncle. Good for cutting and forcing. They reproduce very well.
6th grade
Lily-flowered
Tulips with an unusual flower shape. Plant height is 60-75 cm. Elongated glasses with outward bending and pointed petals.
The lower part of the flower is slightly convex and all varieties have a thin “waist”. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of a lily flower.
The color of the glass is very diverse. They bloom in the second half of May.
Lily tulips are very popular among amateur gardeners. Ideal for cutting.
The reproduction rate is low. From one onion you can get 2-3.
7th grade
Fringed
They differ from others by a spectacular fringe, which is located along the edge of the petals and looks like crystal-shaped or needle-like outgrowths. Can be of different lengths. Plant height is 50-80 cm. They bloom in May.
Varieties have been bred in which these outgrowths can also be located on the back of the flower. Fringed terry varieties have also been developed. The flowers are varied in color, only dark varieties are missing.
Fringed tulips have a very strong peduncle and look good until the end of the growing season.
Good for forcing.
8th grade
Green-flowered (Viridiflora)
A distinctive feature of these tulips is green streaks, spots or stripes on the outside of the petal. They bloom in the second half of May. Plants are divided by height into low (25-30 cm) and medium (35-50 cm). Their stems are strong, the leaves are narrow, some varieties have a white stripe along the edge, which makes them attractive both before and after flowering. Green-flowered tulips are distinguished by their grace and durability. Glasses 5-7 cm high.
These tulips are spectacular when fully bloomed, when the additional color characteristic of the variety appears. They are used for cutting, but most often for landscaping in rock gardens or ornamental gardens.
9th grade
Rembrandt - tulips (Rembrandt)
Representatives of this group have variegated flower colors, but, unlike those affected by the variegation virus, they retain a constant pattern of brown, bronze, black, red, pink and purple strokes on a red, white or yellow background.
The plants are tall (65-70 cm), the flowers are large. Suitable only for growing in open ground. Currently, these are quite rare plants, although modern varieties have been tested for the presence of a virus that causes variegation in the color of the perianth lobes. True Rembrandt tulips can only be purchased in specialized farms focused on growing and breeding historical and non-industrial varieties of tulips.
10th grade
Parrots
Plants of various heights and colors, distinguished by a very exotic flower shape. The rugged, wavy, “disheveled” petals of tulips of this class resemble a ruffled tropical bird.
Flowers can also be huge in size. Color ranges from pure white to black. Plant height -40-65 cm.
They bloom late, in the second half of May, although there are also early flowering varieties in this group.
They are commonly used in garden landscaping and for cutting flowers in flower arrangements.
11th grade
Terry late (Double Late)
It unites varieties of diverse origins, characterized by large, about 10 cm in diameter, double flowers with wide rounded petals. Outwardly, they look like peony flowers; they are also called peony flowers. They bloom 8-12 days later than terry early varieties and longer, up to 3 weeks, beginning in early June.
These are powerful and tall, up to 50-60 cm, plants. Flowers vary in color. Low resistance to rain and wind. Good for cutting and forcing.
Group IV - species and botanical tulips
12th grade
Kaufman tulips, their varieties and hybrids (Tulipa Kaufmanniana)
They differ in the earliest terms of flowering (sometimes already in early April). Plant height is 15-25 cm. The flowers are large, star-shaped, with protruding petals of various colors. The leaves of many tulips have purple stripes and speckles. Resistant to variegation.
13th grade
Foster's tulips, their varieties and hybrids (Tulipa fosteriana)
Tulips of this class are larger than Kaufman. Plant height is 20-30 cm, flowers are goblet or cup-shaped, very elongated (up to 12 cm in height), wide. When open, they look like stars. The color is bright, mostly red, sometimes pink and yellow. The leaves are wide, slightly wavy along the edges. They bloom later than Kaufman tulips: in late April - early May.
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14th grade Greig's tulips, their varieties and hybrids (Tulipa Greigii)
Plants are of medium height - 20-35 cm in height. The flowers are bright, large, single, goblet-shaped with a wide base, a slight bend along the midline and blunt-shaped petals bent outward. The color is red, orange, sometimes two-tone. They bloom for a long time from late April - early May. The flowers do not fade for a long time. The leaves are very decorative, the greenery of which contains dark strokes and specks. Look good along paths and on alpine slides.
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15th grade
Wild species of tulips, their varieties and hybrids (Tulipa Botanical)
This class includes wild tulip species found in nature. Among them: t. beautiful, t. Osher, t. Batalin, t. Delacluse, t. two-color, t. Turkestan, t. superior, t. late.
All of them are dwarf and low-growing, blooming early. The flowers are small, their colors are very diverse. The disadvantage of plants of this group is their very slow reproduction, but their advantage is that there is no need for annual digging of bulbs.
To your collection
Banja Luka
Belongs to the Darwin hybrids class and is considered one of the successful varieties. Plant height is 47-55 cm. The flower is oval in shape, the height of the glass is up to 10 cm. There are bright red strokes on a golden yellow background. Blooms in late April - early May. The variety is easy to propagate. Looks impressive in flower beds, good for cutting and ideal for forcing.
Barbados
Belongs to the class Fringed tulips. Plant height is 50-60 cm. The flower is goblet-shaped, rich garnet-red in color, with thick fringe. The height of the glass is up to 8 cm. It blooms in mid-May. The variety reproduces well. Used for group plantings, produces excellent quality cuttings, and is perfect for forcing.
Giuseppe Verdi
Belongs to the class of Kaufman tulips. The plant is 15-25 cm high. The flower is cup-shaped, carmine pink on the outside, yellow on the edges of the petals, golden yellow on the inside. The height of the glass is 6 cm. There are streaks and spots on the leaves. Blooms at the end of April. The flowers have a light aroma. The variety reproduces moderately. Suitable for alpine slides, group plantings under trees.
Burgundy Lace
Belongs to the class Fringed tulips. Plant height is 50-70 cm. The flower is goblet-shaped, rich pink in color with soft pink fringe along the edges. The height of the glass is 7-8 cm. It blooms for quite a long time at the end of May. Easily propagated. The variety is unpretentious and grows well both in a sunny place and under the canopy of trees. An excellent choice for a spring bouquet.
Casablanca
Belongs to the group Terry late tulips. Plant height is 35-50 cm. The flower is peony-shaped, three-four row, very dense, has a rich aroma. The height of the glass is 6-7 cm, diameter is 10-12 cm. The color is soft cream. It blooms in May for quite a long time - up to 14 days. It reproduces well. Effective in a flowerbed and in a bouquet.
West Point
Belongs to the Lily-colored tulips group. Plant height 40-60 cm. Flower with a light aroma, rich yellow color. During the day it opens up and takes on a star-shaped shape, and in the evening it folds into a pointed “glass”. The height of the glass is up to 9 cm. It blooms in mid-late May for quite a long time - 10-18 days. Reproduces averagely. Used for landscaping and cutting.
Tulips have long been the subject of admiration in the East; once in Europe, they caused a real flurry of passions, becoming one of the most beloved and widespread garden plants. Today, flower growers have at their disposal varieties of tulips, photos and names of which will certainly make you want to decorate your garden with these flowers.
The Netherlands has historically been the world center for tulip breeding. Having arrived here many centuries ago, the onion culture became the love and work of life for entire dynasties. Therefore, both proven old and incredibly spectacular new Dutch tulips are still the basis of every collection.
According to the timing of flowering, plants are divided into early, middle and late. Based on flower shape and origin, tulips are divided into fifteen classes, most of which are given to hybrids of Gesner and Foster tulips.
Since even wild species are decorative, such as the Bieberstein tulip, a separate class is also devoted to them. Species plants also have their own sections, which breeders are actively working on. These are the tulips of Kaufman, Foster and Greig.
Group of early blooming tulips
Photos of tulips and names of early flowering varieties always arouse keen interest among gardeners. This is not surprising, because on the first warm days you really want bright colors. Among spring bulbs, tulips have the largest flowers. However, early varieties of simple and double tulips are inferior in height and variety to their later counterparts.
Simple early tulips or Tulipa single early are united in Class 1. Plants up to 40 cm high with relatively small corollas belong to Gesner and Schrenk tulips. Depending on the variety, the size of the glass-shaped flower reaches 5–7 cm. The color of the flowers is dominated by red and yellow tones. Although there are more original colors, for example, the delicate purple tulip of the Purple Prince variety shown in the photo.
Recently, the popularity of early varieties of tulips that bloom from mid-April has been growing, which is facilitated by the possibility of forcing flowers, but strong but short flower stalks are not always suitable for cutting.
Forming Class 2 Tulipa Double Early, early double tulips were first obtained shortly after the appearance of the crop in the Old World. The English name of the group literally translates as “double,” which accurately describes the structure of the flower, as if consisting of two corollas nested inside each other.
Today, breeders offer flower growers to grow incredibly lush flowers with extra petals. Plants of this type are low-growing, strong, bloom for up to two weeks and are excellent for growing in pots, as well as for spring forcing.
Varieties, photos and names of tulips with medium flowering periods
The second group of plants unites the most common and popular tulips, Darwin and Triumph.
Triumph tulips included in Class 3 are a group of plants with simple large flowers crowning peduncles up to 70 cm high. Varieties dating back to the beginning of the last century and new varieties are excellent for mass cultivation. Flower growers are attracted by the strong peduncles of tulips and flowers that perfectly retain their shape, shaped like elegant wine glasses. Flowering begins in the last ten days of April and lasts 7–12 days.
Due to their size, stable flowering and the presence of not only red, but also yellow, pink tulips, plants with white, deep purple and even two-color corollas, mid-early varieties are recognized by landscape designers, ordinary flower growers and those who are partial to tulips in bouquets. The interest of summer residents in the group is reinforced:
- unpretentiousness of varieties;
- versatility of purpose;
- abundance of colors;
- large flowers that maintain their shape and freshness for a long time;
- easy vegetative propagation;
- the ability to use for forcing in the middle and late periods.
Tall, resistant to viral diseases and very variable due to their tendency to mutation, Darwin hybrids compete equally with Triumph tulips and form Class 4, as extensive as the previous one.
These plants owe their popularity to the tulip variety shown in the photo called Apeldoorn, which fully demonstrated its ability to produce offspring during vegetative propagation that are unlike the parent plants.
Another variety, widely known in the territory of the former Soviet Union, is the Parade tulip, obtained back in the 50s and still decorating the streets of Russian cities and the flowerbeds of summer residents.
The yellow tulip shown in the photo, closely related to the previous variety, is called Golden Parade and is rightfully considered one of the largest in the family of mid-early varieties.
All Darwin hybrids are often characterized by red or two-color coloration of large corollas, about 10 cm in height. Flowers can open fully in sunny weather, which speeds up their fall.
Late-blooming tulips: peony, simple and other classes
This group is the most extensive and variegated, both in color and in the shape of the corollas of the flowers combined in it. Tulips form seven independent classes, some of which are actively developing, and some of which will soon become history.
Class 5 includes varieties of late simple tulips or Tulipa Single Late with peduncles up to 75 cm high and egg-shaped corollas. The petals of these tulips are rounded, and the bottom of the flower forms an almost regular square. This class is incredibly diverse. Any colors and their combinations are possible here.
White and black tulips, which are represented in the photo by the Queen of Night variety, look very impressive next to each other. The varieties that bloom in mid-May are excellent in the flowerbed and as a cut flower, but they are not very suitable for forcing, since they remain dormant for too long.
The unusually graceful lily-flowered tulips Tulipa Lilyflowering formed Class 6.
These plants come from Turkey and, due to their low hardiness, have spread to Europe relatively recently. The main feature of the representatives of the class is pointed petals, forming a sophisticated corolla, reminiscent of a lily. The height of the peduncles is 50–60 cm.
The palette of lily-flowered tulips includes white, as in the photo, pink, lilac, yellow and red tones, as well as their numerous combinations.
In Class 7 you can see flowers of all shapes from simple to lily or double.
However, all varieties will have one common feature - the presence of needle-like fringe on the edges of the petals. The first flowers of this variety were noticed in the first half of the last century, and since then unusual varieties for cutting and landscape decoration have been appearing more and more often.
One of the newest sections of the garden classification, Class 8, is formed by the green-colored tulips Tulipa Viridiflora, obtained from a fixed mutation of simple plants.
They can be distinguished from their fellows by the wide green stripe running along the central lily of each petal. Because of it, tulip buds look green for a long time, and their true color appears only at the dissolution stage. The most popular in the class is the white tulip of the Spring Green variety shown in the photo.
The medium and high height of peduncles made tulips of this class accessible both for decorating the site and for cutting.
If the 8th class is new, then the 9th class, intended for variegated Rembrandt tulips, has no prospects for development. This community of varieties, well known from the paintings of Dutch and Flemish painters of the 17th–18th centuries, has been virtually abolished today, and the varieties remaining after the reorganization of the class have been transferred to other groups.
The reason for this is the fixation of a dangerous variegation virus in the plant, causing the appearance of stripes and strokes of contrasting shades on the petals.
Parrot tulips with fancy petals reminiscent of the feathers of exotic birds form Class 10. Plants of this variety are distinguished not only by the bizarre shape of their corollas, but also by their size.
The diameter of the flower can reach up to 20 cm, which imposes its own requirements on the strength of the peduncles. The stems of parrot tulips are really strong, but not too tall, growing up to 40–60 cm. To prevent the loss of flowers due to wind or heavy rain, the plants are provided with reliable protection and sometimes support.
Terry late tulips, forming Class 11, by analogy with the early ones, are called Tulipa Double Late. However, this group also has another name, due to the beautiful shape of the large flower - peony tulips.
Compared to double flowers that open in late April, the corollas of later varieties are much more massive and dense, such as the descendant of the Apeldoorn tulip, the double variety Double Beauty Of Apeldoorn.
Like parrot tulips, late double varieties with heavy heads need support and planting in a place protected from the wind. With regular care and attention, these plants with stems up to 60 cm will create a carpet of incredible beauty and brightness in your flowerbed.
Flower growers have recently received special attention from the Ice Cream tulip with its surface petals of a juicy berry shade and a snow-white core reminiscent of a cone with a favorite summer delicacy. Although the variety is relatively new, photos of the Ice Cream tulip today adorn not only the catalogs of bulb manufacturers, but also the plots of Russian summer residents.
Species tulips: fourth group in garden classification
The fourth group is species tulips, used in the selection of cultivated varieties and grown as independent ornamental plants.
Class 12 is given to Kaufmann tulips, which bloom as early as March, can reach a height of 30 cm, and their flowers with pointed petals of different colors always look natural on low borders and rocky hills.
Foster's tulips, the tallest of the plant species, are distinguished not only by this, but also by their large flowers, which made it possible to use the plants to obtain many modern varieties included in other groups and classes. The buds of Foster's tulips open in April and immediately attract attention with their unusual petals bent at the top.
Species Greig's tulips and their hybrids, forming Class 14, are easily distinguished by their patterned leaves covered with colored stripes and strokes. Although plants of this species are not very tall, due to their high decorative value and long flowering, they are always welcome guests on the site.
Class 15 contains wild-growing species of tulips. Compared to their garden descendants and relatives, these species, often called botanical, are shorter and better adapted to harsh conditions. In addition, small flowers full of charm are less affected by diseases or are completely resistant to them.
Video about tulip varieties
In the spring, missing warmth and flowers, we greet bulbous primroses with special tenderness and joy. The largest of them are tulips (Tulipa L.). This wonderful noble flower needs no introduction; it is familiar and loved by everyone. For a long time, wild tulips grew in forests, then, with the light hand of Peter I, their most beautiful hybrids gradually began to enter our lives. Now there are a huge number of varieties of tulips and new ones are constantly appearing. It’s easy to get confused in such diversity. Scientists have created a classification that can help amateur gardeners choose the right varieties of these flowers for their plot.
From 1913 to 1929, botanists and plant growers in Holland and England worked to create a classification of the species and varieties of tulips existing at that time. Since then, it has been periodically updated - new varieties are added and outdated ones are excluded.
The modern international classification divides tulips into 4 large groups, which, in turn, are divided into classes (there are 15 of them). The division of this plant into groups was based on the timing of their flowering. The exception is the last (fourth group), which includes wild species and all varieties of tulips derived from them.
We propose together to consider in more detail all the positions of this classification. And the presented photos and names of varieties will make our review more informative.
Early blooming tulips. Group-I
The first group consists of early flowering tulips. It is divided into two classes - simple and terry.
Class-1. Simple early flowering
Simple early blooming tulips(Tulipa single early) have been known for quite a long time, since the times of Peter the Great. They are strong and hardy, and are not afraid of spring weather, which is why they are very popular. They reach a height of 40 cm. The flowers have the shape of a glass or bowl and tend to open completely. The color is dominated by bright and warm yellow-red tones. Flowering begins around mid-April. Tulips of this class will adequately decorate a spring flower bed. Looks good in containers and pots. They are often used for winter forcing. But due to the insufficient length of the peduncles, they are not suitable for cutting.
Christmas Dream 
Diana 
Mickey Mouse 
Couleur Cardinal
For example, the red-pink Christmas Marvel, bred in 1954, became the basis for the creation of many wonderful sports (“sport” is a plant with characteristics different from those characteristic of a given variety, for example, a different color of the petals, the absence of a border, etc.). One of them is Christmas Dream - a soft pink glass, located on a strong 45 cm peduncle.
Large and wide Pink Trophy glasses attract attention with their lilac-pink hue. A variegated red and yellow Mickey Mouse will add a sea of bright sunny colors to the garden.
The very popular and unpretentious plum-red tulip of the Couleur Cardinal variety is ancient, its history begins in 1845. But thanks to its highly decorative properties and simple care requirements, it is still actively grown. The low (up to 30 cm) peduncle makes it convenient for creating flower beds, borders, and ridges.
A short, robust plant (15-20 cm) with elongated glasses of deep red color, Brilliant Star looks amazing in a group container planting. Matching it is the snow-white variety Diana (bred in 1909), which is equally small but with a large flower glass.
The delicate and romantic Olga variety has a cup-shaped deep pink flower with a white edge. The light orange General de Wet, despite its considerable age (brought out in 1904), will adequately decorate any flower garden.
Of course, we have named only a few representatives of this class, although it is considered small.
Class-2. Terry early flowering
Terry early blooming tulips(Tulipa Double Early) begin their history around 1613. “Double tulips” received their European name due to the special structure of the flower, which has two rows of petals (as if one six-petaled flower is in the middle of the other). Especially lush varieties have three additional petals. Double tulips are quite short (up to 30 cm), which makes them unsuitable for cutting, despite the beautiful large flowers (their diameter when opened is about 12 cm). They are often used as a potted plant and for forcing, and in the garden they adequately decorate the front rows of various flower beds. This class is characterized by long flowering (more than 10 days).
Abba 
Melrose 
Mondial 
Verona 
Monte Carlo 
Monte Orange
Like simple tulips, early double tulips have a strong peduncle, are resistant to spring weather and bloom at the same time. Although sometimes even a strong stem cannot hold a heavy, luxurious flower.
The baby (about 10 cm) Abba is very popular; its rich red flowers immediately attract attention. The varieties Monte Carlo and Mr. will greet spring with large yellow flowers. van der Hoef. Crimson petals edged with soft pink make up the flowers of the Melrose variety. Fans of orange flowers will love the stunningly bright melon-salmon Monte Orange.
The most delicate colors will be given to you by the light lemon variety Verona, the snow-white beauty Mondial, and white with small yellow stripes by Evita.
This class is also considered not numerous, but the choice is huge.
Although this group is called early-blooming, it should be noted that some varieties of Kaufman, Greig and other botanical tulips bloom even earlier.
Medium blooming tulips. Group-II
The second group consists of tulips of medium flowering period, which are divided into two classes - Triumph and Darwin.
Class-3. Tulips Triumph
Tulips Triumph(Triumph) were developed after 1910, and in 1923 they were put up for sale for the first time and already had the original name. In the process of their selection, simple early tulips, Darwin hybrids, as well as some ancient varieties were used. A distinctive feature of this class are high (about 70 cm), fairly strong peduncles, large goblet-shaped flowers that hold their shape well. The color of the petals can be absolutely any, of various shades and their combinations. Flowering is long-lasting, beginning in late April-early May.
Amazone 
Barcelona 
White Dream
All the characteristics of Triumph tulips make them suitable for cutting. They are also widely used in the decoration of flower beds. Can be used for mid and late forcing. They reproduce well vegetatively.
Now Triumph tulips form the most numerous class.
To present them to you clearly, it is very difficult to choose a few varieties from such diversity and splendor.
It is impossible to miss the Arabian Beauty tulip. Its large (up to 12 cm) light purple glass, thanks to its yellow rim, glows from within like a magic lamp. The Roman Empire variety has an interesting color; the red petal on top is decorated with a wide white border.
The snow-white elongated White Dream flower looks very aristocratic. Red, with a velvety tint, Ben van Zanten will flash brightly in the flowerbed. The sunny yellow Strong Gold will add golden colors to your area; its glass never opens and lasts for a long time after cutting. The peachy-orange Amazone will provide a positive mood. Fans of black tulips will be interested in the Ronaldo variety with very dark velvety purple petals.
Ben van Zanten 
Strong Gold 
Ronaldo
The unusual shape of the glass with sharp, slightly curved white petals and the pleasant aroma make the Agrass White variety attractive. The pink-lilac variety Barcelona also has a wonderful sweetish aroma.
Caring for and growing Triumph tulips is very simple. They are undemanding to soil composition and can grow in the shade and even in windy places.
Class-4. Darwinian hybrids
Darwinian hybrids(Darwin Hybrids) - the most common class of tulips, which was formed in 1960. They represent a selection of Darwin and Foster tulips. These hybrids have a high stem (up to 80 cm) and a large cup-shaped flower (about 10 cm). A characteristic feature of the flower is its rectangular bottom, most often black. The petals of this class of tulips are predominantly red, although other colors are found, including bicolors. Darwin's hybrids do not only have flowers of violet-lilac shades.
The main disadvantage of most varieties in this class is their ability to open fully on a sunny day, although some people even like it. But Darwin's hybrids are resistant to diseases and spring weather, and remain decorative for a long time when cut. They are widely used in spring flower beds, as well as for March forcing. The varieties of this class are very similar to each other.
A beautiful salmon shade distinguishes the Daydream and Chambery varieties. American Dream has a very elegant glass with an unusual color; the red rim looks very impressive on the sandy yellow petals. The Come Back tulip has a royal crimson-red color. Smooth transitions from almost red to pale pink distinguish the color of the petals of the Big Chief variety. The magnificent elongated yellow Conqueror glass exudes aristocracy.
Armani 
Hatsuzakura 
Daydream 
Gavota 
Ivory Floradale 
American Dream
The most delicate colors are represented by varieties: Hatsuzakura - creamy white with a lilac-pink wide border; Ivory Floradale; snow-white Lanka.
Lovers of dark shades should definitely pay attention to the Gavota variety and its dark burgundy flowers with a yellow border; Armani tulips are dark red with a thin white border.
As you can see, although the flower shape of Darwin hybrids is the same, the variety of colors makes them different from each other.
Late blooming tulips. Group-III
This group is the largest and most diverse. It included 7 classes - simple, lily, fringed, green, Rembrandt, parrot, terry.
Class-5. Simple late bloomers
Simple late bloomers(Single Late) combined in its class Darwin tulips, as well as the old species Breeders and Cottage. The newly formed class is characterized by a fairly high stem (up to 75 cm), large egg-shaped flowers with an almost square bottom and rounded petals. The color range is not limited; there are also variegated bicolor varieties. They begin to bloom in mid-May. Thanks to the strong, tall stem and long-lasting decorative effect of the flower, they have proven themselves well in cutting and are very popular for decorating areas. But not all varieties are suitable for forcing, since they have a long growing season. This class of tulips is quite hardy in terms of unfavorable conditions.
Renown 
Menton 
Cafe Noir 
Blushing Lady 
Hemisphere 
Weiss Berliner
With their unusual two-tone color, the yellow with pink-lilac veins of Blushing Lady, the white Hemisphere flower, as if shaded with a crimson pencil, and the pretty white-pink with a bronze-yellow border of Aleida attract attention.
Dark colors can be represented by varieties such as Cafe Noir with its burgundy coffee glasses, black and purple Queen of Night, purple Bacchus.
Light pink Angels Kiss, silky carmine-pink bud Renown, white with a light creamy tint Weisse Berliner, apricot-pink Menton captivate with their tenderness. Of an unusual shape with bent petals and lilac-pink, like a porcelain glass in the Picture variety. The snow-white Weisse Berliner will surprise you with its many flowers.
Rich red Wisley with a yellow bottom, bright red Gordon Cooper, red-pink with a wide orange border Favorite Beauty, salmon-orange My Lady, rich yellow with red touches Hocus Pocus will make your garden bright and sunny.
We tried to analyze what types of tulips there are. Their variety is enormous. We hope that our information and video will help you make a good choice and you will be able to enjoy amazing and beautiful flowers all spring.
Tulips are often compared in beauty and demand to the queen of the garden - the rose. Many people like the first ones more, and the variety of these colors is amazing. In the mid-17th century in Holland, the population was literally obsessed with tulips, hundreds of varieties were bred. The excitement has long passed, but beautiful flowers still delight with their diversity. That is why a classification was created that divided the varieties of tulips into groups. Let's get to know them.
This is interesting! There is a legend that happiness was hidden in a tulip bud, but no one knew how to open it. One day, a kind and pure-hearted boy took a flower, and it opened its petals, making it clear what is important to a person in life.
A little background
Until the beginning of the last century, flower growers had no idea how to deal with a wide range of tulips. There are so many varieties that everyone got confused, and the creation of the classification began in 1913. But this matter was not so easy for the British and Dutch, and for another 16 years the process could not be completed. As a result, the first register was created in 1929; of course, by now it has undergone a number of changes. After all, some varieties of tulips have become obsolete, while others have yet to be discovered. In general, there are more than 2.5 thousand, but they are all divided into 4 groups, in which there are classes, and there are now 15 of them. We cannot list all the varieties, but below we will introduce you to the most beautiful and in demand.
On a note! Since there are very, very many tulips in each class, we will name, show photos and describe only a few, but also list some others. And if you wish, you can find pictures of varieties on the Internet.
Groups and classes - general description
In this section we will simply show what the classification looks like, and then we will analyze it in detail. So, tulips are divided according to the following principle.
Group 1. Early flowering.
- Class 1. Simple.
- Class 2. Terry.
Group 2. Medium flowering.
- Class 3. Triumph
- Class 4. Darwinian hybrids.
Group 3. Late flowering.
- Class 5. Simple.
- Class 6. Liliaceae.
- Class 7. Fringed.
- Class 8. Green flowers.
- Class 9. Rembrandt.
- Class 10. Parrots.
- Class 11. Terry.
Group 4. Types of tulips and their hybrids.
- Class 12. Kaufman.
- Class 13. Foster.
- Class 14. Greig.
- Class 15. Wild growing.
This is what the classification looks like at the moment. Each group and class has many different varieties of tulips. Let's get to know some of them.
Early blooming tulips
Simple
These are very unpretentious flowers; they easily tolerate harsh winters and bad weather, which is typical for most regions of our country. At the same time, even the wind does not break beautiful tulips, which can reach a height of 25 cm to 40 cm. It is believed that varieties of this class are excellent for decorating borders and garden paths. Flowers love a lot of sunlight, and with it the buds open to their maximum. Tulips are suitable for growing in flowerpots, trays on the veranda, and for forcing.
Popular varieties:
Terry
These tulips do not reach more than 30 cm in height, they delight us with double-type petals, the flowers grow very well and bloom for a long time. The buds are large - up to 8-10 cm in diameter. Terry varieties always look festive, elegant, elegant and unusual. Tulips of this class serve as an excellent decoration both for flower beds and as a living border.
For information! Bulbous flowers should always be grown where there is no excess moisture, there is plenty of sunlight, and the soil is neutral.
Popular varieties:
- "Terry red." It has very large scarlet flowers with double petals; they can reach more than 12 cm in diameter. This is one of the most sought after varieties;
"Terry red" - "Monte Carlo". These are yellow double flowers - up to 10 cm in diameter. Strengths: stable stems and immunity to diseases;
"Monte Carlo" - "Ice Cream." From the name you can understand that breeders compare this variety of tulips to delicious ice cream. All thanks to the unusual combination of shades and the shape of the flowers themselves. But these tulips do not like bad weather and high humidity.
"Ice Cream" Advice! Also take a closer look at the varieties of this group with names - “Bonanza”, “Dante”, “Carlton”, “Electra”, “Shunord”, “Murillo Maxima”, “Madame Testu”, “Triumphator”.
Medium blooming tulips
From the name it is clear that these tulips do not begin to bloom early - in the third ten days of May. But sometimes gardeners achieve earlier flowering; in general, gardeners love flowers of this group. They bloom evenly, the shades delight with their diversity. A completely unpretentious group, it does not require special care and tolerates weather adversities well.
Triumph
Tulips of these varieties are well suited for making bouquets - they have tall, stable stems, the correct flower shape - in the form of a wine glass. Bouquets last a long time, they look very decorative.
Popular varieties:
Darwinian hybrids
These flowers look beautiful along fences, walls, and can be cut into bouquets. These are giants - up to 80 cm tall. The “glass” of the flower can open wide. Tulips are not afraid of frost and disease.
Popular varieties:
Advice! Also take a closer look at the following varieties of this group - “Apeldoorn”, “Princess Beatrix”, “Roland”, “Topskor”, “Beauty of Apeldoorn”, “Diplomat”, “Oxford”.
Late blooming tulips
It is clear from the name that varieties from this group bloom in late spring and early summer. These tulips love warm and hot weather, but they are very capricious when it comes to lower temperatures and recurrent frosts. Therefore, if you plant such tulips, then follow the forecast in the spring in order to cover the flower beds in time.
Simple
Tall tulips - up to 80 cm. The shades of the petals can be different, the flowers can be easily grown. The shape of the inflorescence is goblet-shaped, and at the stem it resembles a square. The flowers are large and beautiful.
Popular varieties:
Advice! Also take a closer look at the varieties - “Prince Vladimir”, “President Hoover”, “Artist”, “Advance”, “Dido”, “Rosie Wings”, “Georgette”, “White City”.
Liliaceae
And here scientists gave the name to tulips for a reason. Judging by the shape of the flower, it is clear that these buds resemble lilies; they have sharp tips. Primary colors are white, pink, scarlet, yellow. Tulips grow up to 50-60 cm and do not fall apart. When the buds have opened fully, you will notice that the petals have a second shade inside.
Popular varieties:
Advice! Take a closer look at the varieties - “Aladdin”, “Astor”, “Alaska”, “Captain Fryatt”, “Hedwig Vatter”, “White Triumphant”.
Fringed
Tulips of this class were created relatively recently - at the end of the last century. The flowers are tall and stately. They can be immediately distinguished by the edge of the petals, where there is a needle-like frill. Varieties bloom at different times - in late spring and summer, the shades can be completely unique.
Popular varieties:
Green flowers
There are flowers that are often planted, and there are rare and expensive ones. This is exactly what this class is like. Breeders developed a number of varieties in 1981, the main distinguishing feature being the middle of the buds with a green tint. The petals themselves may be different.
Popular varieties:
Advice! You can choose other tulips with names - “Artist”, “Green”, “Greenland”, “China Town”, “Golden Artist”.
Rembrandt
These tulips can create a great mood even on the most stormy day. They are so different, they can be of any shade, pattern. They bloom in the second decade of May and grow up to 75 cm. Gardeners love them very much.
Popular varieties:
Advice! You can also plant the following varieties: “American Flag”, “Black Boy”, “Montgomery”, “Star and Stripes”, “Pierrette”.
Parrots
The name speaks for itself. The tulips are bright, have unusual petals, the edges of which seem to be cut, it seems as if the flowers are imitating birds. Favorite and in demand among gardeners. They have a high stem - 65-80 cm. After cutting, tulips stand well, but the flowers are fragile and you need to be careful. On the site they can be planted along the fence, terraces, together with low-growing varieties of tulips. The diameter of the flowers is up to 20 cm.
Popular varieties:
Terry
These tulips have large inflorescences that open very wide. They need a quiet, sunny place on the site so that the petals are not damaged. Shades may vary.
Popular varieties:
Types of tulips and their hybrids
The group has an unusual name, all because all the flowers that were not included in the previous classes were included here. There are a lot of varieties here. We will name the main types of tulips and look at their photos. There are only four names, but there is a wide variety of flowers themselves, as breeders mix them with each other. Tulips come out differently; flowering times can be early or late. Of course, the varieties also differ in appearance.
Kaufman
As a rule, they delight with flowering already in April. The flowers are low-growing, ideal for decorating borders; they can be grown in trays on summer verandas. The shape of the inflorescences resembles a star. They can decorate a rock garden, an alpine hill, and are not afraid of the shadows. These tulips are crossed with the next two and different hybrids are obtained. The class was introduced in 1877.
One of Kaufman's varieties Foster
Tulips are large - up to 15-18 cm in diameter. They bloom in the spring; they are often planted in compositions with other primroses or flowers that open their buds in early summer. The shades of the petals can be different, the varieties are not afraid of frost. In culture since 1905.
Foster's Tulips Greig
Most often, tulips have either two shades on one flower, or they are simply red. Ideal for decorating paths, they can be planted at the base of a rock garden. The inflorescences are large, unpretentious class with strong stems. The petals have uneven edges. The class is used for crossing with Kaufman and Foster tulips. In culture since 1872.
Greig's tulips Wild growing
These tulips have also been classified, but many of the varieties here are quite unremarkable when compared with other groups. It is worth noting that the three classes listed above - Kaufman, Foster, Greig - are also considered wild. The group also includes tulips - “Borscheva”, “Alberta”, “Great”, “Tubergena”, “Yulia” and a number of other varieties. Not all flowers surprise with their shades and saturation; the petals can be small in size. But these tulips are absolutely unpretentious, that’s why they are wild. They can bloom for up to a month. Breeders use wild varieties to create new hybrids.
Finally about forcing
To obtain luxurious tulips not only in spring and summer in flower beds, but also throughout the year for the holidays, gardeners are engaged in forcing. That is, you can grow bouquets whenever you need. The process is not complicated, but it needs to be well understood once. There is another important point - not all flowers can be grown at home in trays. If you want to receive bouquets by March 8, then for forcing use the following varieties of tulips - “Aruba” (raspberry), “Beauty Trend” (delicate white and pink), “Cacharel” (terry pink), “Fest Rosie” (pink ), “Lyuba” (like a flame), “Red Power” (scarlet), “Rems Favorite” (purple-white), “Strong Gold” (yellow).
That's how many varieties we've learned. Choose your favorites and plant in the coming season.
