Tulip 'Purissima Blonde'
Best choice for gardeners seeking reliable, architectural spring color.
The Tulip 'Purissima Blonde' is a Fosteriana Tulip variety known for its striking foliage, featuring broad yellow margins on blue-green centers, reminiscent of a variegated Hosta. It produces large, snowy white blooms with a soft yellow glow at the base, emerging midseason in April and May. This variety is a sport of the heirloom 'Purissima' and offers strong perennial performance in well-drained soils, making it excellent for mass plantings. Tulips generally thrive with full sun exposure and require planting in the fall, at least a month before the ground freezes, for the best spring display.
$18.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
SKU
213099
/ F
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager for the first signs of spring color
- Designers seeking a versatile neutral for mixed floral borders
- Budget-conscious planters wanting reliable, long-lasting perennial blooms
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in areas with high deer or rodent populations
- People looking for a long-lasting, season-long floral display
- Homeowners dealing with heavy, poorly draining clay soil
Performance breakdown
Perennial Reliability
Stronger return performance than most standard hybrid tulip varieties.
Foliage Impact
Variegated leaves provide visual interest long after the blooms fade.
Visual Contrast
Snowy white petals against yellow-margined leaves create a sophisticated garden palette.
Mass Planting Potential
Uniform growth habit makes these ideal for high-impact landscape drifts.
Bloom Longevity
Midseason timing offers a reliable bridge between early and late spring.
Planting Ease
Standard fall planting requirements make these accessible for most home gardeners.
Key Specs
SKU
F213099
Bloom Time
Midseason (April-May)
Mature Height
12-16 inches
Spacing
4-6 inches apart
Soil pH requirement
6.0 to 6.5
Shipping Form
Dormant, bare bulb
Group
Fosteriana Tulip
Features
- Striking foliage with broad yellow margins resembling Hosta leaves
- Large, snowy white flowers with a warm yellow base glow
- Known for excellent perennial performance in suitable soils
- Ideal for creating breathtaking mass plantings
- Strong, architectural presence in the garden
- Flowers emerge early to mid-spring for a long season of bloom
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the 'Purissima Blonde' bulbs, noting their high reliability and robust growth year after year. The primary delight is the elegant, creamy white color which provides a sophisticated, early season display. Reviewers frequently mention the large, perfect blooms and the impressive longevity of the flowers in the garden, confirming that the premium price reflects superior performance and aesthetic value for a truly stunning spring arrival.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall, at least a month before the ground freezes. This timing allows the bulbs to establish a healthy root system before winter dormancy.
They perform best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Ensuring proper drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot, especially during the wetter months.
Unlike typical tulips with plain green leaves, 'Purissima Blonde' features striking blue-green foliage with broad yellow margins. The leaves resemble those of a Hosta, providing architectural interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
Yes, this variety is known for its strong perennial performance. When planted in suitable, well-drained soil, you can expect them to return and bloom reliably in subsequent seasons.
For the best visual impact in mass plantings, space the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart. This density creates a lush, full appearance while ensuring each plant has enough room to thrive.
You can expect the large, snowy white flowers to emerge during midseason, typically throughout April and May.
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$18