6 Tulips to Grow in Oklahoma

Written by Heather Hall
Published: March 14, 2023
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Oklahoma has a temperate climate that experiences all four seasons. The average temperature in the summer months is about 79°F, and in winter, it drops to an average of 54°F. Oklahoma is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b-7a, where temperatures range from -5 °F to 0 °F. It’s possible for gardeners to grow tulips in Oklahoma as long as they select varieties that are hardy enough for the climate. Planting bulbs in late fall ensures they have time to establish strong root systems before summer arrives. Tulips require plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil, so make sure your area gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day and choose a spot with sandy or loamy soil if possible.

6 Types of Tulips

Since tulips are hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 3-7, nearly every zone in Oklahoma can successfully grow tulips! Here are a few of our favorite varieties for Oklahoma gardeners.

1. Pink Vision Tulip

The Pink Vision Tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Vision’) is breathtaking, with its wild color palette and Parrot Tulip shape. It’s an impressive new variety that stands out for its beauty and value. The Pink Vision Tulip brings parrot tulip features to the next level, with ruffled edges that twist and bend and deeply-incised petals for even more texture and interest. Plus, it has ivory white petals, green flames, and magenta edges, all set off by its medium green leaves with cream-colored margins. This tulip is dressed to impress and ready to make a statement in Oklahoma!

pink vision tulip

The Pink Vision Tulip (Tulipa ‘Pink Vision’) is breathtaking, with its wild color palette and Parrot Tulip shape.

©Popova Valeriya/Shutterstock.com

2. Red Emperor Tulip

Do you remember that perfect shade of red lipstick that makes you feel confident and beautiful, even when you’re just lounging around in your sweatpants? The Red Emperor Tulip is like that color in flower form. This classic Fosteriana Tulip is one of the first of the year to bloom, and its blooms are huge. Its petals fold inwards to create a beautiful silhouette, and its red petals are offset with yellow and green, giving it an attractive look as it slowly opens.

Garden filled with blooming Red Emperor Tulips

This classic Fosteriana Tulip is one of the first of the year to bloom.

©Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

3. Daydream Tulip

The Daydream Tulip is a spectacular tulip variety that’s perfect for daydreaming about. This tall, strong flower starts as a honey-yellow bud and evolves into a tangerine orange and blood-orange color as it matures. When they begin to bloom, the garden is filled with a delightful range of warm hues. This Darwin Hybrid flourishes in spring weather and is quite fragrant. The Daydream Tulip is perfect for mass plantings or for a back planting in a bulb or cut flower bed. You won’t want to miss this stunning variety when it blooms in mid-spring!

Daydream tulips in full open stage

The Daydream Tulip is a spectacular tulip variety that’s perfect for daydreaming about.

©iStock.com/Kristine Radkovska

4. Nightrider Tulip

You may not believe it when you see it, but the Nightrider Tulip (Tulipa ‘Nightrider’) is stunning. This species of tulip, which dates back to the 1500s, is unique due to its purple petals and its long-lasting bloom. The Nightrider Tulip features a rare combination of violet, cream, and green colors, and its petals curl inward to create a classic tulip form. It looks like something out of a fairytale! When used as a cut flower, the Nightrider’s stem often appears violet. Planting this fun and funky tulip in your landscape or in containers will create an eye-catching display of colors and is sure to draw admiration.

'Nightrider' tulips

This species of tulip, which dates back to the 1500s, is unique due to its purple petals and its long-lasting bloom.

©Gusztav Bartfai/Shutterstock.com

5. Flashback Tulip

Flashback Tulip (Tulipa ‘Flashback’) offers a unique variety of tulips with pointed petals and wine glass shapes. This late-blooming flower has a rich, golden-yellow hue and sturdy stem that make it perfect for bouquets. This new variety of tulips will be the first in your area to show off its beauty. It can be used for beds and borders, offering a hint of flash when all other spring flowers have finished blooming.

Flashback Tulip

Flashback Tulip (Tulipa ‘Flashback’) offers a unique variety of tulips with pointed petals and wine glass shapes.

©Bjoern Wylezich/Shutterstock.com

6. White Clouds Tulip

The White Clouds Tulip (Tulipa ‘White Clouds’) is a beautiful and regal-looking variety of flowers. Its exquisite porcelain white color makes it a popular choice for bridal bouquets, with its delicate petal frills adding an extra touch of elegance. This Darwin Hybrid is also strong and robust, making it a great choice for gardens and flower arrangements. It can withstand the elements of spring, such as rain and sunshine, and is sure to make any garden look stunning.

Antarctica Tulip

The White Clouds Tulip (Tulipa ‘White Clouds’) is a beautiful and regal-looking variety of flowers.

©Elena Tratsevskaya/Shutterstock.com

Where to See Tulips in Oklahoma

Several places in Oklahoma have tulips growing to view or pick and take home. There are also tulip festivals and tulip fundraisers throughout this beautiful state.

Tulip Farm Texas

Several places in Oklahoma have tulips growing to view or pick and take home.

©iStock.com/Regan Ledbetter

Oklahoma Tulips Flower Farm

The Oklahoma Tulips Flower Farm in Harrah, Oklahoma, is home to a stunning variety of tulip bulbs. The family-run farm was established in 1998 and has been providing the community with beautiful tulips ever since. Visitors can explore the sprawling fields of vibrant flowers and purchase freshly picked stems, or even pre-ordered bouquets, for their homes or special events. Additionally, the farm offers workshops where guests can learn about how to care for their own tulip garden! So if you’re looking for an enchanting place to take your friends and family this spring season – be sure to check out the Oklahoma Tulips Flower Farm!

Tuckers Tulips

Tucker’s Tulips in Ada, Oklahoma, is a popular destination for those looking to pick beautiful tulips. The grounds cover 10 acres, and the numerous varieties of tulips make for stunning displays. Along with the opportunity to pick your own bouquets, visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as mini golf, hay rides, corn mazes, and more! In addition to these attractions, Tucker’s Tulips has its own farm-to-table restaurant on site. They serve homemade dishes made from local ingredients like fresh produce grown right on the property. For anyone who loves flower picking and outdoor fun combined with delicious food – look no further than Tucker’s Tulips in Ada, Oklahoma!

Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Tulip Festival in April at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City, OK, is one of the most beautiful and vibrant events of the year. Thousands of tulips come alive with an explosion of color as they bloom throughout the gardens. Visitors to this festival can enjoy a variety of activities, such as walking through acres of colorful displays, taking part in educational programs about tulips and gardening, enjoying live music and food vendors, or simply relaxing on a blanket in front of breathtaking views. The annual event also features fun activities for children, like face painting, arts & crafts projects, and more. Whether you are looking for an escape from everyday life or just want to take in some natural beauty, the Tulip Festival at Myriad Botanical Gardens should not be missed!

Tulips for Tatas

The Tulips for Tatas event in Enid, Oklahoma, is an annual 5K race and community walk to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. The event was created by the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and it has been held annually since 2016. Participants can choose to run or walk the 5K course through downtown Enid, with all proceeds going to support breast cancer research efforts throughout Oklahoma. In addition to the main race and walk, several other activities take place during Tulips for Tatas, such as face painting booths, a silent auction featuring donated items from local businesses, live music performances, and food trucks serving up delicious meals. All participants who register receive a commemorative t-shirt honoring their contribution towards helping fight this deadly disease!

Summary of 6 Types of Tulips to Grow in Oklahoma

Tulip CultivarTulip HeightTulip Color
Pink Vision Tulip18-20 inchesWhite and Pink
Red Emperor Tulip14-16 inchesRed
Daydream Tulip20-22 inchesOrange and yellow
Nightrider Tulip18-22 inchesPurple and green
Flashback Tulip12-16 inchesYellow
White Clouds Tulip22-24 inchesWhite

The photo featured at the top of this post is © pr2is/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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