The Appalachian Trail is a popular attraction in Virginia, but the state has much more to offer. Between its four distinct geographical regions, coast, plateau, foothill, and valley, many different types of climates can support tulip growth. Virginia encompasses zones 5a to 8a. Tulips can thrive anywhere between USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. If you live in Zone 8a, you will need to take extra care with your bulbs in order for them to rebloom reliably. This includes digging up the bulbs and providing them with winter chill by storing them in a refrigerator for 12-14 weeks. With proper care and attention, even those living outside of tulip-friendly zones can enjoy beautiful blooms come springtime!
9 Types of Tulips
Nearly any type of tulip will grow reliably in Virginia. The chilly winters and sunny springs provide the perfect environment for tulip bulbs to bloom, die back and rebloom again next year. With a little bit of protection from wildlife, you can have vases and gardens overflowing with colorful blossoms all spring.
1. Innuendo Tulip
The Innuendo Tulip is a showstopper for any garden. Its Triumph variety tulips have some of the largest blooms, each reaching up to 6 inches wide! The color of the petals starts off white at the base and gradually gets pinker and pinker until they reach a vibrant bubble gum pink near the top – almost as if it were dipped in paint. This captivating contrast between colors is further accentuated by its blue-green foliage and tall 16-18 inch stalk. It usually blooms in mid-spring, around April, making it an ideal addition to your flower bed during this time of year. With these stunning features, you won’t be able to take your eyes away from this beautiful bloom once it reaches full bloom!
2. Flashback Tulip
The Flashback Tulip is a spectacularly beautiful flower that will add an air of elegance to any garden. It has a unique lily-flowered shape with bright yellow petals that flare outward, making it stand out from other tulips. The stems are long and graceful, usually between 12 and 16 inches tall. These gorgeous blooms appear in the late spring, typically during May, and can last for several weeks after opening up fully. The flowers have a distinctive fluted champagne glass shape which makes them perfect for displaying in vases around the home or office. They look particularly stunning when grouped together with other types of tulips or planted en masse outside in gardens or parks.
3. Voyager Tulip
The Voyager Tulip is a stunning flower that can be found in the springtime, usually blooming in April. Its unmistakable red petals are large and vibrant, giving it a unique beauty that stands out from other flowers. Its two-toned foliage consists of both green and yellow stripes, adding to its striking appearance. The stems are strong enough to withstand even harsh winds during the spring season, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements with 20-22 inch long stems. This beautiful bloom has earned awards for its breathtaking visual appeal, making it an excellent complement to any Virginia garden or floral arrangement!
4. Crispion Love Tulip
The Crispion Love Tulip is a fringed variety of tulip that has fine lacey tassels along the edge of each petal. The blooms are striped pink and white, making them attractive to butterflies. These tulips have strong stems and thick green foliage, which can grow up to 18-20 inches long. Blooming in late spring, usually around May, these beautiful flowers will add color and life to your garden or landscape. They look stunning when planted in groups or as part of a larger garden bed with other varieties of tulips. With its unique shape and delightful colors, the Crispion Love Tulip is sure to bring beauty into any outdoor space!
5. Affaire Tulip
This is one of the most popular Triumph tulips in Virginia. These flowers have large, 6-inch blooms on strong 18-20 inch stems that won’t break easily in stormy weather. The petals are white with a thick band of magenta around their edges, and they are gently ruffled for a beautiful effect. Affaire Tulip starts to bloom during mid-spring – usually April – which makes it perfect for decorating your garden during this time of year. It will add charm and beauty to any vase!
6. Cafe Noire Tulip
Cafe Noire Tulips are the perfect way to bring some late spring color into any home or garden. Their deep, wine-colored petals shimmer and glimmer in the sun, making them a beautiful sight for all who behold them. With thick, sturdy stems, these tulips can reach heights of up to 20 inches when fully grown. Not only do they look great as part of an arrangement with yellow daffodils or yellow tulips, but they can also last up to 14 days after cutting in a vase! These stunning blooms arrive in May and are sure to brighten your day no matter where you display them.
7. Moonblush Tulip
The Moonblush Tulip is a showstopper with its vibrant yellow and orange petals. Each of the soft petals is tipped in red-orange, giving it an almost sunburst-like effect. These cheerful blooms appear late in spring (May) atop 16-inch long stems that are sturdy and straight. The tulip’s unique shape makes them perfect for cut flower bouquets or as a focal point when planted in beds or borders. When grown in groups, they create quite an eye-catching display due to their colorful blooms and mix of hues. They also attract butterflies who love the sweet nectar that these flowers provide. If you’re looking for a stunning addition to your garden, consider the Moonblush Tulips!
8. White Clouds Tulip
White Clouds Tulip is an exquisite flower that will be a bright spot in any garden or vase. The flowers are pure white and feature two to three blooms on each stem, making it very easy to fill even large vases with only a few stems. They reach heights of 22-24 inches, giving them the look of long-stemmed roses when placed in a vase. Blooming primarily in March, they provide a welcome break from winter’s chill and add beauty to gardens all over Virginia. Not only do these tulips have gorgeous color, but they also last for many years, making them ideal for perennial beds or special occasions alike. White Clouds Tulip is sure to draw attention wherever you plant it!
9. Budlight Tulip
Another lily flowering tulip variety, loves growing in Virginia. Its bright yellow petals are pointed and tipped with white in a star-like shaped flower. It blooms during the late spring month of May, adding beauty to garden paths and borders. The vibrant color of the flowers stands out against other plants due to their height of 20-22 inches tall on average. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a showy flower that will add both color and texture to any garden or outdoor space. Not only does it bring beauty, but it also serves as a delightful reminder that warmer days are just around the corner!
Summary of 9 Types of Tulips to Grow in Virginia
Tulip Cultivar | Tulip Height | Tulip Color |
---|---|---|
Innuendo Tulip | 16-18 inches | Pink and white |
Flashback Tulip | 12-16 inches | Pure Yellow |
Voyager Tulip | 20-22 inches | Deep rose red |
Crispion Love Tulip | 18-20 inches | Pink and white |
Affaire Tulip | 18-20 inches | White and magenta |
Cafe Noire Tulip | 20 inches | Wine red, nearly black |
Moonblush Tulip | 16 inches | Yellow blushed with orange and red |
White Clouds Tulip | 20-24 inches | Pure white |
Budlight Tulip | 20-22 inches | Yellow and white |
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