Orange Emperor Tulip
Best perennial choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance spring color.
The Orange Emperor Tulip offers vibrant, glowing tangerine blooms with soft yellow bases and striking black anthers. As a distinguished member of the Emperor Tulip family, it extends the spring blooming season, providing a beautiful focal point and ideal material for cut flower arrangements. These tulips are highly prized for their ability to naturalize and return year after year, a trait stemming from their close relation to wild tulip species. This exceptional variety has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, making it a globally favored choice for mass plantings due to its consistent height and large, captivating flowers.
$9.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 2782
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Zones
38
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking early-season curb appeal
- Perennial lovers wanting reliable, recurring spring blooms
- Floral designers needing sturdy stems for arrangements
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in areas with high rodent populations
- People wanting a long-lasting floral display
- Minimalists who dislike untidy garden foliage
Performance breakdown
Perennial Reliability
Strong naturalizing traits ensure these bulbs return reliably every spring.
Visual Impact
Vibrant tangerine hues create a high-contrast focal point in any garden.
Pest Resistance
Robust defense against deer and rabbits protects your floral investment.
Ease of Cultivation
Straightforward planting requirements make these ideal for novice gardeners.
Arrangement Versatility
Sturdy stems and large blooms perform beautifully in cut flower bouquets.
Climate Adaptability
Wide hardiness range allows for successful growth across most temperate zones.
Key Specs
Zones
3-8
Mature Height
12-24 inches tall
Planting Depth
7 inches deep
Flower Bulb Size
12/+
Bulb Spacing
6 per sq ft
Planting Time
Fall
Soil Type
Average Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats and horses
Features
- Vibrant tangerine blooms glow in sunlight
- Extends spring bloom season
- Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Naturalizes and returns annually
- Excellent for mass plantings
- Ideal for cut flower bouquets
- Easy to grow
- Deer and rabbit resistant
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Orange Emperor Tulip bulbs for their spectacular visual impact. The blooms deliver a vibrant, fiery orange color, providing an early spring showstopper. Reviewers frequently note the impressive size and height, supported by sturdy stems that withstand spring weather. Reliability is a key highlight; gardeners report high germination rates and excellent performance as dependable perennializers, returning year after year. This consistent quality solidifies their exceptional value for borders and mass plantings. While minor variations occur, the overall consensus confirms these are high quality bulbs that deliver an outstanding garden presence.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Orange Emperor is a perennial variety known for its ability to naturalize. Because they are closely related to wild tulip species, they are more likely to return and bloom again in subsequent years compared to many other hybrid tulips.
These tulips thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting. They are adaptable to average soil conditions, provided the area does not stay waterlogged.
No, Orange Emperor tulips are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. It is best to plant them in areas where your pets do not typically dig or graze.
You should plant these bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows the bulbs to establish their root systems during the cooler months before they emerge to bloom in the spring.
Plant the bulbs 7 inches deep for optimal growth. For the best visual impact, space them at a density of about 6 bulbs per square foot.
The Orange Emperor is considered deer and rabbit resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, these tulips are generally avoided by common garden pests.
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