High Country Gardens
Oxford Darwin Tulip
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking reliable, vibrant spring cut flowers.
The Oxford Darwin Tulip is a perennial favorite, offering vibrant, long-lasting dark red blooms with striking black centers and yellow edges. These tulips reliably emerge in mid to late spring, reaching 20-22 inches tall on strong stems perfect for cutting. Thriving in USDA Zones 3-8, they naturalize well, providing cheerful color year after year with minimal effort. Plant these low-maintenance beauties in the fall for a stunning spring garden display.
$10.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 2782
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-56%
Below average
Bulb Size
12
/ cm
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-term, reliable floral investments
- Landscapers wanting high-impact, vibrant spring color
- Floral enthusiasts who enjoy arranging fresh, elegant bouquets
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in areas with high rodent populations
- Minimalists who dislike messy, fading foliage in garden beds
- Planners requiring continuous, long-season color displays
Performance breakdown
Naturalization Potential
Reliably returns each spring with minimal intervention from the gardener.
Stem Integrity
Sturdy stalks hold up beautifully against spring winds and heavy rain.
Climate Versatility
Broad hardiness range makes these a dependable choice for most regions.
Visual Impact
Deep red petals and striking centers create a high-contrast garden focal.
Maintenance Effort
Low-fuss bulbs that thrive with basic fall planting and seasonal care.
Cut Flower Utility
Strong stems and long-lasting blooms perform exceptionally well in indoor vases.
Key Specs
Bulb Size
12 cm
Mature Height
20-22 inches (approx. 50.8-55.88 cm)
Planting Depth
6-8 inches (approx. 15.24-20.32 cm)
Spacing
15.24 cm
Hardiness Zones
3-8
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Type
Compost enriched, Well-drained
Toxicity
Yes - toxic to animals
Features
- Long-lasting, bold dark red flowers
- Strong stems ideal for cut flowers
- Reliable mid to late spring blooms
- Naturalizes well for returning color
- Low maintenance and easy to grow
- Upright growth habit
- Hardy in zones 3-8
- Tolerates various climates
What customers say
The Oxford Darwin Tulip is celebrated for its outstanding quality and captivating design. Gardeners consistently praise its strong, reliable growth, with bulbs producing robust stems and vibrant, true to color blooms year after year. The intense red orange hue creates a dramatic visual impact, making this variety a standout in spring landscapes. Consumers value its dependable performance and the reliable return of such a visually stunning flower, highlighting its exceptional quality and striking appearance.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots during the cooler months so they are ready to bloom in mid to late spring.
Yes, the Oxford Darwin Tulip is an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. They feature strong, upright stems that hold the heavy blooms well and provide a long vase life.
No, these are perennial tulips that naturalize well. If planted in appropriate conditions, they will reliably return and bloom again each spring with minimal maintenance.
For best results, plant them in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the bulbs from rotting during the winter.
No, Oxford Darwin Tulips are toxic if ingested by animals. It is best to plant them in an area where pets do not have access or to use protective fencing.
Plant each bulb 6 to 8 inches deep to ensure they are properly insulated. Space them approximately 6 inches apart to allow enough room for the plants to develop their full, upright habit.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$10