Tulips are a genus of bulbous plants that belong to the Liliaceae family. They are currently known worldwide as ornamental flowers, highly valued for their striking colors and large flowers. This plant, originally from Turkey, was introduced in Holland in the 16th century, at which time its popularity soared in the country to unexpected levels. The soils of Holland gave the tulips new colors, and the whole region experienced a real tulip fever, which gave rise to the more than 150 specific types of tulips and more than 5,000 cultivars that currently exist, although the figure continues to increase every day.
The main 10 types of tulips
Tulip Princess Irene
This tulip stands out for combining two colors, the orange in the corolla and the purple or pink in the marks that it shows at the base of its petals, near the stem. In addition, the Princess Irene tulip flower is very aromatic, with an easy-to-recognize perfume when it has been smelled once. It reaches heights of up to 10 or 15 cm, needs well-drained soils and appreciates exposure to full sunlight.
Angelique Tulip
The most characteristic feature of Angelica tulips is their double-petal corolla, which makes it closely resemble peonies. In fact, it is not uncommon for some to confuse them with these other plants, also due to the pale pink color with purple tones that the flower adopts. It is a good size tulip, which reaches heights of up to 40 cm and of pleasant aroma, widely used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
Tulip Fancy Frills
This tulip, which reaches a considerable height of up to 40 cm, offers a simple corolla of striking pink color, with white markings on the underside of its petals, near the base. However, what makes the variety of tulip fancy frills so special and gives it a touch of distinction is the edge of its petals, which show an unmistakable and very aesthetic curly relief, reminiscent of vintage-style clothing.
Queen of the Night
Another type of tulip that cannot be overlooked is the Queen of the Night tulip. Its dark purple petals make it almost black insight, and it is one of the darkest tulips that can be found. As well as one of the tallest, reaching heights of up to 60 cm. Its flower, which looks like elegant velvet, is very popular for making bouquets difficult to match.
Tulip Tarda, one of the rarest types of tulips
If the Angelica looks like a peony, the Tarda tulip has great similarities with the liliums. It offers a large star-shaped corolla, with six petals that open leaving the stamen’s insight. Its intense yellow, dotted with white on the tips of the petals, makes it difficult to overlook the flowers of this tulip, which despite its low height of up to 15 cm is made with the sight of anyone.
Tulip Estella Rijnveld
This is undoubtedly one of the most curious types of tulips there is. Also known as Gay Presto, ignoring the vision of this daring tulip is virtually impossible. It has spongy-looking petals, curly edges, and uneven shapes, but what is most striking is its combination of white, red and pink colors, which draw irregular and hypnotic motifs. Part of the charm of the Estella Rijnveld tulip is that these patterns developed by chance and by nature: it was not a variety sought by man.
Tulip Ballerina
This other tulip is also of great height, and it can reach measurements of up to 60 cm. Its petals are bright orange, although the flower shows the yellow center. The Ballerina tulip stands out not only for its beautiful color but for its pleasant aroma and for being one of the types of tulips that are easy to grow, which grows smoothly in temperate but sunny climates.
Tulip Rembrandt
Another of the tulip varieties is the Rembrandt tulip. The famous painter gives name to this tulip whose flowers seem to have been painted with brushstrokes of his style. Its peculiar and striking combination of colors is achieved by infecting the plant with a specific virus. So if it is mixed with other tulips you run the risk of contaminating them. It is a pretty tall tulip, up to 70 cm.
In this photo, we can see this type of tulip in a color combination like the Estella Rijnveld tulip. But you have to look closely at the difference in the border. In addition, Rembrandt tulips can be of various colors, while Estella Rijnveld only of these.
Tulip Abu Hassan
The tulips Abu Hassan, so very characteristic, are popular for its intense color, which combines dark red in the center with some edges of light yellow appearing on a gradient. The combination gives a very attractive flame appearance, which is why they are so valued. This is one of the types of tulips that reach heights of up to 50 cm and are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, but harmless to humans and other animal species.
Chinese Pink Tulip
To finish this list of types of tulips, some well known and others very rare to see. We focus on the China Pink tulip. This soft pink petals tulip stands out, even more than for its attractive color. For the unique shape of its thin and narrow leaves, which open more than most tulips. The result is a delicate and very attractive appearance, which gives it a simple but undeniable charm. This light pink tulip reaches heights of up to 60 cm.