7 Tulips That Thrive in Connecticut

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: June 16, 2023
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The gardening climate in Connecticut is generally temperate. The state falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5-7, with most areas located in Zone 6. This means that the average annual extreme minimum temperature is between -10- and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for this region. Therefore, tulips should grow quite well in Connecticut during the springtime months as long as they are planted before the ground freezes. To ensure optimal growth of your tulips, choose varieties specifically suited for cold climates and make sure you provide adequate sunlight in the spring. Additionally, it may be wise to mulch them heavily during winter months to protect them from harsh conditions. With proper care, your garden will have beautiful blooms each spring!

Since tulips grow in USDA Hardiness zones 3-7, hundreds of varieties of tulips will grow beautifully in Connecticut. Here are a handful of our favorite cultivars for the Constitution State!

1.) Hawaii Tulip

These pinky-purple tulips usually begin flowering in late spring and show off with double-petaled, fringy blooms.

©Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

Tulip ‘Hawaii‘ is a beautiful tulip variety with striking, frilly-edged blooms. These flowers are typically around 6-8 inches tall atop 16–18-inch stems. They have distinctive purple-pink petals that fade to white at their edges. The center of the bloom has bright yellow stamens that contrast nicely with the petals. Tulipa’ Hawaii’ usually begins flowering in late spring and shows off with double-petaled, fringy blooms. This particular tulip type is known for its large, showy flowers and can be used as feature plants in gardens across Connecticut.

2.) Orange Marmalade Tulip

This tulip is a stunning blend of colors. Each petal is orange and salmon-colored with a bright green stripe from top to base. The foliage and stripe are the same shade of green, creating a mesmerizing effect when planted in large quantities. Each stem is 12-16 inches tall and bears lightly scented flowers that attract pollinators.

3.) Northcap Tulip

northcap tulip

Ruffled white petals are held upon sturdy stems with neat, green leaves.

©freya-photographer /Shutterstock.com

The Northcap tulip bulb plant (Tulipa ‘Northcap’) boasts incredible double blooms that have a fluffy, whipped cream-like appearance! Ruffled white petals are held upon sturdy stems with neat, green leaves. As a bonus, a sweet fragrance is released in the spring. These tulips have great cold Hardiness and require minimal care, making them a nice choice for novice gardeners or those with limited space. This flower grows to 16 inches tall and spreads over time without crowding the area.

4.) Vendee Globe Tulip

Vendee globe tulip

Though quite unique, the vendee globe still has the same wide soft-green foliage and rosette-style clumps common among tulips.

©Kristine Rad /Shutterstock.com

The vendee globe tulip bulb has a unique look compared to other tulips, with its bright golden blooms featuring red stripes and backward arching tips that come to a point. Though quite different, it still has the same wide soft-green foliage and rosette-style clumps common among tulips. It has the benefit of being very hardy and easy to care for, making it a fine choice for both new and experienced gardeners. After planting these perennial bulbs, they will multiply every year, creating neat clumps in yards of any size. The stems are long and graceful, growing up to 24 inches tall.

5.) Barbados Tulip

Barbados tulip

With its highly unique blooms, the Barbados tulip is perfect for adding a dash of whimsy to any floral arrangement.

©Sergey V Kalyakin /Shutterstock.com

The Barbados tulip (Tulipa’ Barbados’) is a spectacular tropical flower that will bring life and fun to your garden! Its deep ruby-red petals have spikey fringe around the edges and form a cup shape. It also has long stems and green spear-like foliage. With its highly unique blooms, the Barbados tulip is perfect for adding a dash of whimsy to any floral arrangement. This flower grows to 18 inches tall and usually blooms in April or May.

6.) Purple Circus Tulip

purple circus tulip

The purple circus tulip has luxurious two-toned lilac-purple and white petals.

©Kanno Photo /Shutterstock.com

Witness a stunning display of luxurious two-toned lilac-purple and white petals with the purple circus tulip! These stunning blooms are set against lush, green foliage and sturdy stems. Brighten up any bouquet with these vibrant flowers or leave them outside to attract butterflies and other admirers. This species has ruffled, fringed petals and grows 18-20 inches tall.

7.) Foxtrot Tulip

foxtrot tulip

The strong stems make them ideal for cut flowers, plus they look amazing planted in masses.

©dariapine /Shutterstock.com

Foxtrot tulips (Tulipa Foxtrot’) have a charming appearance. These fragrant double blooms have a bowl-shaped peony-like appearance with soft pink edges and a darker shade in the center. The strong stems make them ideal for cut flowers, plus they look amazing planted in masses. It’s recommended to plant them in an area where they can be sheltered from powerful winds, as they only grow up to 12 inches tall.

Companion Planting

When it comes to planting tulips in Connecticut, there are a variety of other plants that can thrive near them. Some great companion plants for tulips include pansies, daffodils, hyacinths, and later blooming annuals such as petunias and impatiens.

For some fun and interesting foliage, plant hostas or ferns at the base of your tulip beds. Alyssum is also a great choice because its small white flowers will pair nicely with the bright colors of the tulip blooms. Finally, ornamental grasses like blue oat grass add texture and movement for an interesting contrast against the upright blooms of the tulips.

Where to See Tulips in Connecticut

The tulip fields of Connecticut offer a stunning display of color and texture in the spring months. From bright reds, pinks, and oranges to softer shades like lavender, yellow, and white, these vibrant flowers delight visitors from far and wide.

Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to pick your own bouquet or simply want to take in their beauty as part of a festival celebration, there are plenty of locations throughout Connecticut where you can experience the joy of tulips!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Preston, Connecticut, is a stunning sight to behold! Each spring, the flower farm blooms with over 1.5 million tulips of every color imaginable. It is one of the largest U-pick locations in all of New England, and guests can purchase tickets online or at the farm entrance to explore its beauty. Along with admiring these majestic flowers up close, visitors can pick their own tulip bouquet to take home. With its picturesque views and ample picking opportunities, Wicked Tulips Flower Farm makes for a lovely day trip!

Elizabeth Park Conservancy

The Robert A. Prill Tulip Garden in West Hartford, CT, is a beautiful sight when the tulips bloom in early May. The Elizabeth Park Conservancy oversees the planting of over 11,000 tulips each year that have been ordered in the summertime. When they die back, they are dug up, and bulbs are sold to the public in bags so that people can create their own formal gardens at home. It is recommended by experts that new tulips be planted instead of relying on reblooming for this type of garden due to its larger size. This also allows for changes to be made with regard to colors or patterns when they design a fresh tulip garden each fall. This also makes room in the garden for colorful annual flowers to take their place. 

How to Plant

Growing tulips in Connecticut can be a rewarding experience. The state offers a wide variety of climates and soil types that are perfect for planting tulips. While it is important to select the right type of bulb, proper planting techniques, and care will go a long way toward ensuring success.

Tulip care and planting is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps. First, select an area with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Next, dig holes approximately 6 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart for each bulb. Spacing the bulbs closer together will result in more compact blooms. Place the bulbs in the ground pointed side up and refill the hole with soil. Finally, water thoroughly after planting to ensure that your tulips get off to a good start! With plenty of sunshine and careful attention, you’ll soon enjoy beautiful blooms every spring.

Summary of 7 Types of Tulips that Thrive in Connecticut

Tulip CultivarTulip HeightTulip Color
Hawaii Tulip16-18 inchesPurple with white edges
Orange Marmalade Tulip12-16 inchesOrange, peach, and green
Northcap Tulip16 inchesWhite
Vendee Globe Tulip22-24 inchesYellow and red
Barbados Tulip18 inchesRed
Purple Circus Tulip18-20 inchesPurple and white
Foxtrot Tulip12 inchesPink

The photo featured at the top of this post is © dariapine/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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