High Country Gardens
Red Riding Hood Rock Garden Tulip
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, long-lasting spring color.
The 'Red Riding Hood' Rock Garden Tulip offers striking scarlet blooms with a deep black base, reaching 4-5 inches wide. Its variegated green and purple foliage provides interest even after flowering. Growing to 10-12 inches tall, this perennial tulip naturalizes easily, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers. Plant in fall in well-drained soil with full sun for best results. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant choice for adding vibrant color to your spring landscape.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 2782
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-41%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
28
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking visual interest beyond just the flower blooms
- Landscapers designing compact rock gardens or small container displays
- Perennial enthusiasts wanting reliable, long-term garden investments
Who should skip it
- Gardeners looking for tall, dramatic floral statements
- Planters desiring a long-lasting, season-long floral display
- Gardeners working with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Scarlet blooms and striking variegated foliage create a high-contrast garden focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once established in the soil.
Naturalization Potential
Reliably spreads and returns each spring for long-term landscape investment.
Climate Versatility
Wide hardiness range makes this a dependable choice for diverse regional climates.
Drought Tolerance
Resilient bulb variety that handles dry spells better than most spring flowers.
Wildlife Compatibility
Lacks deer resistance, requiring protective measures in areas with high browsing pressure.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
2-8
Mature Height
10-12 inches
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Flower Type
Tulip
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring
Planting Season
Fall
Deer Resistance
Not Deer Resistant
Features
- Dramatic scarlet flowers with black centers
- Variegated foliage for extended interest
- Naturalizes easily over time
- Low maintenance and drought tolerant
- Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Performs well in small spaces
- Easy to grow
What customers say
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on the exceptional quality and striking aesthetic design. Gardeners consistently report that the bulbs establish easily and reliably produce their signature vibrant red blooms, confirming excellent performance. The compact, sturdy stature is frequently cited as ideal for rock gardens, delivering a powerful visual impact without requiring extensive care. This tulip is celebrated for its dependable return and true to type color, making it a highly valued addition to spring landscapes.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish their root systems during the cooler months before blooming in the spring.
Yes, the 'Red Riding Hood' is a perennial tulip. It is known for naturalizing easily, meaning it will return and potentially spread over time if planted in favorable conditions.
Absolutely. Their compact height of 10-12 inches and striking foliage make them an excellent choice for pots and window boxes where you want to showcase both the flowers and the variegated leaves.
Yes, you should take precautions. This variety is not deer resistant, so if you live in an area with high deer activity, you may want to plant them in a fenced area or use deterrents.
For optimal growth, plant the bulbs 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil. Ensure they are placed in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade to support their bloom cycle.
Unlike many other tulips that fade into the background after blooming, this variety features distinct variegated green and purple leaves. This provides visual interest in your garden even after the scarlet flowers have finished.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$14