Why Tulips Have So Many Types
Types of tulips for bouquets include six main forms: single (classic cup shape - the spring default), double or peony tulips (layered petals - the wedding favourite), parrot (ruffled, feathered petals in dramatic colours), fringed (frilled petal edges), lily-flowered (pointed petals that curve outward), and Triumph (sturdy mid-height traditional shape). The Royal General Bulbgrowers' Association in the Netherlands classifies tulips into 15 official divisions, but these six cover almost all florist bouquets.
For bouquet purposes, this narrows to about 6 main types. The rest are mostly garden cultivars rarely sold as cut flowers in Canada.
The 6 Main Types for Bouquets
The tulip varieties that florists actually stock:
- Single tulips (early and late) - classic cup-shaped; the volume leader; clean and simple
- Double tulips (early and late) - peony-shaped, layered petals; the wedding favourite
- Parrot tulips - ruffled, feathered petals in dramatic colours; striking and modern
- Fringed tulips - frilled edges on the petals; subtle texture
- Lily-flowered tulips - pointed petals that curve outward; elegant silhouette
- Triumph tulips - sturdy mid-height, traditional shape; reliable standard
For a standard spring bouquet, single tulips do the job. For a wedding or special occasion, double (peony) tulips upgrade the look. For visual drama, parrot tulips are the answer.
Single vs Double Tulips
The most useful distinction in tulips. Single tulips have one row of petals forming a classic cup or bell shape. Double tulips have multiple rows of petals - they look like small peonies.
Single tulips are the spring default. They look clean and recognizable. They last 5-7 days in a vase. They are widely available in every colour, and they are cheaper per stem.
Double tulips (also called peony tulips) cost more and last about the same length. The trade-off is the look - they feel more luxurious and read more wedding-appropriate. They also work better than single tulips when the bouquet needs to look full without using many stems.
Parrot Tulips: the Dramatic Choice
Parrot tulips are the most visually distinctive type. The petals are ruffled, feathered, and often split, with colours that twist and streak. They look intentional in a way standard tulips do not.
The most popular parrot varieties: Black Parrot (deep burgundy-purple), Estella Rijnveld (red and white stripes), Apricot Parrot (peach with green markings), Rococo (red), Flaming Parrot (yellow with red flames).
Use parrot tulips when the bouquet needs to be the visual focus. They do not blend well with traditional florals - they tend to dominate. A bunch of parrot tulips on their own is usually the right approach.
Tulip Colours and What to Ask For
Tulips come in every colour except true blue. The colour vocabulary that florists use:
- Classic red - Valentine and romance
- Pink (pale, mid, hot) - the universal spring favourite
- White - clean and wedding-appropriate
- Yellow - the cheerful spring default
- Peach and apricot - modern, soft
- Purple (mid to deep) - subtle and grown-up
- Black (very deep burgundy) - dramatic, modern
- Bicolour and striped - parrot tulips often
- Mixed pastel - the safe default for spring bouquets
If unsure, ask the florist for "a mixed pastel tulip bouquet" - it covers the season cleanly without overcommitting to one shade.
When Tulips Are in Season
Tulips are available almost year-round in Canada through Dutch greenhouse import, but peak season is mid-March through late May. During peak season, prices are lower, varieties are wider, and stems are noticeably fresher.
For Easter, Mother's Day, and spring birthdays, peak-season tulips are at their best. Off-season tulips (June through February) come exclusively from Dutch greenhouses - they are still good quality but the variety is narrower and the price is higher.
