Tulipa Plaisir Tulip Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Tulipa Plaisir is an award-winning Greigii tulip variety, prized for its striking combination of vivid bicolor blooms and uniquely variegated foliage. Early in spring, these tulips awaken the garden with their brilliant, bowl-shaped flowers. Each bloom is a stunning display of carmine-red petals adorned with broad white margins, creating a dramatic contrast that catches the eye. At the heart of each flower is a yellow center streaked with black, adding another layer of visual interest to these already captivating tulips.

The compact stature of Tulipa Plaisir is part of its charm. Growing to a height of just 10 inches, the flowers are borne singly on short, sturdy stems. This makes them an excellent choice for the front of borders, rock gardens, or even as an unexpected pop of color in patio pots. The blooms are beautifully complemented by the lance-shaped gray-green leaves, which are marked with deep purple stripes, offering an additional layer of texture and interest in the garden.

A true standout in any spring garden, Plaisir tulips are not just a feast for the eyes but also a versatile planting option. As a cultivar of Tulipa greigii, Plaisir is known for its reliability and ease of care. While often grown as an annual, these tulips have the potential to naturalize under ideal conditions, returning year after year with their vibrant display. They are perfect for mass plantings under deciduous trees, creating sweeping drifts in open woodlands, or adding bold color to beds and borders.

Plaisir tulips also excel in mixed plantings, pairing well with other spring-blooming bulbs to extend the flowering season. Their short stature and striking appearance make them a must-have for cottage gardens, informal landscapes, and rock gardens. Additionally, their vibrant colors and compact size make them ideal for creating stunning spring bouquets and floral arrangements.

Tulipa Plaisir is cold-hardy to USDA Zone 3 and thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations. In warmer climates, providing some light shade can help extend the bloom time by keeping the flowers cool. These tulips prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When planting, space the bulbs 4 to 8 inches apart and plant them at a depth of 4 to 8 inches to ensure optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food, applied in early spring, will encourage robust flowering both in the current season and in subsequent years.

After the blooms have faded, it's important to remove spent flowers promptly to direct the plant's energy back to the bulb. However, allow the leaves to die back naturally, as they continue to gather and store energy for next year's growth. In USDA Zones 8-10, where winters are mild, it's essential to refrigerate the bulbs for at least eight weeks before planting to mimic the cold period they require for successful blooming.

With its vibrant bicolor blooms and striking variegated foliage, Tulipa Plaisir is a standout choice for any gardener looking to add a bold and beautiful touch to their spring landscape. Whether in garden beds, containers, or as part of a mixed bulb display, Plaisir tulips deliver a stunning performance year after year.

Planting bulbs is straightforward and fills your garden with reliable bursts of color and seasonal delights. With our Bulb Planting Chart and Bulb Care Instructions, you'll find everything you need to create a vibrant, flourishing garden. From selecting the perfect spot to caring for your bulbs, these articles are your go-to resource for cultivating beauty and success with bulbs in your garden.

The right supplies make bulb planting and care a breeze. Find customized supplies for bulb gardening.