If you’re considering adding vibrant red hues to your garden, explore the diverse types of red tulips available. One popular choice is the ‘Red Riding Hood’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Red Riding Hood’), a classic variety with deep red blooms on short stems, making it suitable for various garden settings.
Another stunning option is the ‘Red Emperor’ (Tulipa ‘Red Emperor’), known for its scarlet-red, slender blooms that open wide in the sun. The ‘Red Impression’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Red Impression’), a Darwin Hybrid, offers compact, cup-shaped blooms with blood-red petals and dark bases. For a showy and tall presence, consider the ‘Kingsblood’ tulip (Tulipa ‘Kingsblood’), a single late class tulip that peaks in late spring with cherry-red, egg-shaped blooms.
To help you make even more perfect selections for your garden, please explore the 32 species of red tulips listed below.
Different types of Red Tulips with pictures
Aladdin
Aladdin, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Red Riding Hood,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 18-22 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, its red blooms with yellow edges complement well with daffodils or grape hyacinths. Plant in groups or near fences to protect its thin stems from wind.
Carnivale De Nice
Carnivale De Nice, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Carnivale de Nice,’ is a captivating bulb plant originating from Central Asia, growing 14-20 inches tall. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, its peony-shaped blooms showcase predominantly white petals with bold red flames. As a Double Late tulip, Carnivale lasts exceptionally long in vases, and its greenish-gray leaves with white edges provide an elegant base for the attractive, pollinator-friendly flowers measuring about 3 inches wide.
Linifolia
Tulipa ‘Linifolia’ is a petite bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 4-12 inches tall. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during early/mid spring, its ovate, tomato-red petals, reminiscent of the poinsettia, surround prominent black centers. As a member of the Botanical or Miscellaneous tulip group, Linifolia has a groundcover-like habit with green-gray, waxy foliage. Ideal for rocky soil or the front of a mixed border.A member of the Botanical or Miscellaneous tulip group, Linifolia is short in stature and has a groundcover-like habit. Foliage is green-gray, waxy, and small in scale. Grows well in rocky soil or in the front of a mixed border.
Miranda
Miranda, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Miranda,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 10-14 inches tall. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, its peony-shaped, classic red flowers have a satin-like sheen, measuring 4 inches wide. The heavy blooms gracefully force stems to arch, making Miranda suitable for both urban and rural settings. It can be paired with other spring bloomers for a well-timed display or planted in drifts on expansive properties.
Red Dynasty
Red Dynasty, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Red Dynasty,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, towering 24-26 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, its popular candy-red flower heads boast a 5-inch diameter. As a member of the Darwin Hybrid group, Red Dynasty is robust and tall, with sturdy stems capable of withstanding extreme weather. Ideal for planting closely in spring containers or incorporating into mixed borders as a backdrop, its size and classic profile make it a florist’s preferred choice for bouquets and centerpieces.
Rococo Parrot
Rococo Parrot, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Rococo Parrot,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 16-20 inches. Thriving in full sun to part shade (zones 3-8) during late spring, its showy red-orange petals with burgundy and green feathering add an excessive charm. As a Parrot class member, it may reappear next year but won’t spread easily. While relatively tall, it is susceptible to the elements, so consider these factors when choosing and placing this variety.
Peppermint Stick
Peppermint Stick, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Peppermint Stick,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing at 12 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, its closed red appearance transforms to reveal white interior petals, creating a striped effect reminiscent of festive candy. With stems less than 12 inches and mossy green foliage, this cultivar can be induced to bloom during the holidays with early chilling of bulbs.
Amber Glow
Amber Glow, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Amber Glow,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, with a height range of 12-20 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid/late spring, its jewel-toned, red blooms showcase glowing amber bases. As a Triumph class tulip, it opens in mid to late spring and is a reliable repeat bloomer. The foliage is narrow and vivid green.
Firespray
Firespray, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Firespray,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, standing 8-12 inches tall. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Lily-flowered class cultivar boasts apple-red petals pointing upward and arching slightly outward. Beyond its beauty, each bulb yields multiple blooms, offering a value of three tulips in one. With a compact and fast-spreading nature, Firespray is an excellent choice for expansive areas beneath trees or on slopes.
Scarlett Majesty
Scarlett Majesty, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Scarlet Majesty,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, reaching 18-20 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Double Late variety showcases 7-inch blooms resembling peonies or roses. With rich, deep red, multi-layered petals, its unique profile is emphasized by a slightly shorter height compared to the bloom size. Ideal for cutting gardens, snip the flowers when formed and just about to open for a weeks-long display in vases, accompanied by a pleasant, light scent.
Red Matador
Red Matador, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Red Matador,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, standing at 24-26 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, its bell-shaped, red petals create a loud and exotic display, reminiscent of a bullfighter’s flag heralding spring. With sturdy, upright stems and multiple leaves intermingling for a soft green base, Red Matador is a simple yet striking addition to mixed spring borders. It can also be planted in large quantities for a Dutch farmstead effect, easily forced to bloom indoors and lasting long as a cut flower.
Valery Gergiev
Valery Gergiev, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Valery Gergiev,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 16-18 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, its bold, velvet-red petals with hints of burgundy and ruffled edges evoke the scarlet drama of a night at the theater. As a member of the Fringed tulip class, Valery Gergiev blooms late on mid-height stems with a juniper hue. It tolerates some light shade and dislikes hot afternoon sun.As a member of the Fringed tulip class, Valery Gergiev blooms late atop mid-height stems that are juniper in hue. Tolerates some light shade and does not like hot afternoon sun.
Reputation
Reputation, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Reputation,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, reaching 16-18 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this tulip is prized for its tolerance to extreme weather. With goblet-shaped blooms, clear bright red petals edged in golden yellow, and a slight inward curve, Reputation is an excellent choice for northern gardens. Pair it with yellow daffodils and grape hyacinths for a well-timed, primary palette spring garden. Additionally, its pleasant and light scent adds to its appeal.
Pinocchio
Pinocchio, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Pinocchio,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, standing 6-10 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during early spring, this Greigii tulip features cherry-red petals with yellow margins. With lily-shaped blooms pointing gently outward, Pinocchio, like all Greigii tulips, is short and reliable, returning for years. Plant it in rocky beds or border fronts for ground coverage, accentuated by mottled sage-colored leaves.
Montana
Montana, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Montana,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 6-12 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, it features low, cup-shaped red petals with dark splotches at their bases and prominent yellow anthers. The eye-catching leaves have wavy and incurved margins. Thriving in cold winters and dry summers, Montana is unattractive to grazing deer and naturalizes easily. Plant it in areas where it can roam and drift freely.
Doll’s Minuet
Doll’s Minuet, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Doll’s Minuet,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 12-18 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, this Viridiflora tulip showcases delicate ruby-hued petals flamed with green as they flare outward. Opening to reveal a circle of black anthers at their bases, Doll’s Minuet is among the longest flowering tulip cultivars, blooming for up to three weeks. When cut before fully open, it also holds well in interior arrangements for an extended time.
Red Impression
Red Impression, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Red Impression,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 20-24 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Darwin Hybrid tulip boasts cherry pepper-red, oval-shaped petals measuring up to 6 inches in diameter when fully open. A reliable cultivar, Red Impression is easy to force and thrives in less-than-perfect soil conditions. Its subtly striped foliage holds up well in water, and it perennializes easily, standing strong against harsh winds.
Abba
Abba, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Abba,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, standing 8-12 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during early/mid-spring, this tulip starts with pink buds that burst into red flames with butter yellow centers. With peony-shaped, double blooms, Abba is heavy, causing stems to arch slightly. It’s a fragrant and reliable early spring bloomer, suitable for containers and cutting gardens.
Red Purissima
Red Purissima, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Red Purissima,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing 12-18 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during early spring, this Fosteriana group tulip boasts large, egg-shaped blooms on mid-length, slender stems. Its extra-long crimson petals with a yellow base create a sunlit glow effect. The green-gray foliage, slightly ovate and larger in scale, complements well when planted with yellow and purple crocus, daffodils, and hyacinth for a bold, bright, season-long display.
Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Apeldoorn,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 20-24 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Darwyn Hybrid tulip features predominantly cherry-red flowers, possibly with a hint of orange. The egg-shaped blooms reveal bright yellow centers circled with black anthers, creating an eye-like effect when fully open. With long, sturdy stems providing wind resistance, Apeldoorn performs well in vases. Its narrow, light green foliage is distinctly upright in form.
Red Impression
Red Impression, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Red Impression,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing at 20-24 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Darwin Hybrid tulip boasts showy, compact, cup-shaped blooms with blood-red petals and dark bases. Resistant to pests and disease, Red Impression spreads easily and returns reliably each year when planted in well-draining, sunny locations. Despite swaying in mid-spring winds, their strong stems typically do not break.
Kingsblood
Kingsblood, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Kingsblood,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 24-28 inches. Thriving in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, this Single-late tulip features cherry-red blooms in a classic egg shape. Its simple profile and hardiness make it a popular choice for mass plantings. The highly fragrant blooms bring a delightful scent to your kitchen when cut and brought inside. Additionally, Kingsblood can be successfully forced into early bloom.
Glasnost
Glasnost, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Glasnost,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing at 16-20 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during late spring, this Parrot tulip showcases crimson petals with ruffled orange edges. Its bold presence demands attention, making it ideal where it won’t overshadow nearby flowers. Pairing well with other spring bulbs in the yellow and orange family, Glasnost adds to a complementary palette. Like other Parrot tulips, it may experience petal loss and breakage in high winds, making it suitable for zones with less volatile late spring weather.
Toyota
Toyota, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Toyota,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 22-26 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Single Late tulip features soft, muted red petals with white edging. Showy blooms emit a pleasant scent, and long, sturdy stems withstand high winds and rain. Ensure well-draining soil and ample sunshine. Ideal for cutting gardens, Toyota’s blooms last for weeks in a vase.
Red Emperor
Red Emperor, scientifically labeled Tulipa ‘Red Emperor,’ is a bulb plant originating from Central Asia, standing at 14-16 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during early/mid-spring, this well-known cultivar, also sold as ‘Madame Lefeber,’ is often planted in large drifts. Its scarlet-red blooms are slender but open wide in the sun. As a member of the Fosteriana group, Red Emperor blooms early in the season atop strong stems and features attractive striping on its foliage. This tulip variety spreads easily and reliably returns for many years.
Hollandia
Hollandia, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Hollandia,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, standing at 12-16 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, this Triumph tulip features goblet-shaped, deep, bold red petals. With medium-green foliage displaying white mottling, it stands erect beneath large blooms. The long, sturdy stems make Hollandia an easy choice for forcing into early bloom, bringing bold red color indoors during late winter or early spring. Moreover, its blooms last a long time after cutting.
Red Riding Hood
Red Riding Hood, scientifically known as Tulipa ‘Red Riding Hood,’ is a bulb plant from Central Asia, reaching 6-12 inches. Flourishing in full sun (zones 3-8) during mid-spring, it showcases classic, deep red blooms on relatively short stems. The unique foliage, with sage green leaves dashed by lines of burgundy, adds to its appeal. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for slopes and rocky borders, and it blooms steadily for weeks in mid-spring.
