With over 3,000 tulip varieties worldwide, belong to the genus Tulipa in the Liliaceae family, these perennial bulbs come in various forms, including single, double, fringed, and parrot types. Their pristine blooms, ranging from snowy white to creamy ivory, complement any landscape, from formal beds to naturalistic drifts.
Originating in Central Asia, white tulips were popularized during the Ottoman Empire and later in the Netherlands during the 17th-century Tulip Mania. Today, cultivars like ‘Purissima’ and ‘Maureen’ are prized for their beauty and versatility. They thrive in USDA Zones 3–8, blooming from early to late spring, and are often used in weddings and memorials for their serene symbolism.
White tulips feature cup-shaped or goblet-like flowers on sturdy stems, typically 12–28 inches tall, with lance-shaped green leaves. Varieties like ‘White Triumphator’ have reflexed petals, while ‘Mount Tacoma’ offers peony-like doubles. Their blooms may have subtle green or yellow markings, adding depth to their elegance, and many are fragrant, enhancing their appeal.
Ecologically, white tulips attract pollinators like bees and provide early-season nectar. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils, making them ideal for borders, containers, or forcing indoors. While some varieties perennialize well, others are treated as annuals. Their timeless beauty and ease of cultivation make white tulips a favorite for gardeners and florists alike.
White Tulips
Purissima (Fosteriana Tulip)
- Description: A creamy white tulip with a yellow base, Purissima boasts large, cup-shaped blooms on sturdy stems. It’s an award-winning variety known for naturalizing well.
- Height: 14–18 inches
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Uses: Borders, mass plantings, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Long-lasting blooms (up to 3 weeks) and reliable perennial performance.
Maureen (Single Late Tulip)
- Description: This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner features goblet-shaped, marble-white flowers that mature to ivory. Its tall stems are ideal for cutting.
- Height: 24–28 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Back borders, floral arrangements
- Why Grow It: Elegant, long-lasting blooms perfect for formal gardens.
White Triumphator (Lily-Flowered Tulip)
- Description: A graceful, ivory-white tulip with pointed, reflexed petals resembling lilies. Its tall stems add drama to gardens.
- Height: 22–26 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Beds, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Perennial and striking in moonlit gardens, though it needs wind protection.
Mondial (Double Early Tulip)
- Description: Snow-white, peony-like flowers with a double row of fluffy petals and a creamy yellow core. Its compact size suits small spaces.
- Height: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
- Uses: Containers, borders, forcing
- Why Grow It: Fragrant and resilient against April showers.
Mount Tacoma (Double Late Tulip)
- Description: A multi-petaled, peony-shaped tulip with creamy white blooms and subtle green markings. It’s slightly fragrant and romantic.
- Height: 16–20 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Beds, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Ideal for cool, calming plantings with long-lasting blooms.
Snow Crystal (Fringed Double Tulip)
- Description: Pure white, double blooms with finely fringed petals, creating a frosty, textured look.
- Height: 16–18 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Borders, containers
- Why Grow It: Unique texture adds visual interest to mixed plantings.
White Dream (Triumph Tulip)
- Description: Ivory-white, goblet-shaped blooms with canary yellow anthers. This sturdy tulip withstands wind and rain.
- Height: 18 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Beds, forcing, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Versatile and vibrant, perfect for mass plantings.
Pays Bas (Triumph Tulip)
- Description: Velvety, creamy white petals in a classic funnel shape, with short, sturdy stems.
- Height: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid spring
- Uses: Garden borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Resilient to heavy rain, ideal for exposed sites.
White Prince (Single Early Tulip)
- Description: A pure white, early-blooming tulip with a classic cup shape, part of the “Prince” series.
- Height: 14 inches
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Uses: Borders, containers, forcing
- Why Grow It: Brightens gardens early in the season with reliable blooms.
Verona (Double Early Tulip)
- Description: Lush, creamy white flowers with pale green or pink markings, resembling peonies. It’s resilient and early-blooming.
- Height: 18 inches
- Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
- Uses: Beds, cut flowers, forcing
- Why Grow It: Romantic and durable, great for spring displays.
White Emperor (Fosteriana Tulip)
- Description: Also known as Purissima in some contexts, this creamy white tulip has golden-hued bases and a regal form.
- Height: 16–18 inches
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Uses: Mass plantings, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Fragrant and majestic, perfect for large-scale designs.
Danceline (Double Late Tulip)
- Description: Peony-like, white double flowers with raspberry tips and green feathering on petals, often mistaken for peonies.
- Height: 16–20 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Beds, borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Eye-catching and fashionable for modern gardens.
Flaming Baltic (Fringed Tulip)
- Description: White, fringed blooms with bold purple markings, adding contrast to spring borders.
- Height: 20–24 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Mixed borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Striking bicolor effect pairs well with vibrant tulips.
Spring Green (Viridiflora Tulip)
- Description: White petals with vivid green streaks, offering an elegant, late-season bloom.
- Height: 20–22 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Beds, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Long-lasting (up to 3 weeks) and unique coloration.
Ice Princess (Single Early Tulip)
- Description: Creamy ivory petals with soft flame accents at the base, forming large, funnel-shaped blooms.
- Height: 18–20 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Borders, containers
- Why Grow It: Large blooms (4–5 inches) create a bold statement.
Clearwater (Single Late Tulip)
- Description: Classic egg-shaped, brilliant white blooms with a sophisticated, modern look.
- Height: 24–26 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Mass plantings, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Ideal for minimalist or formal garden designs.
Catherina (Single Late Tulip)
- Description: Creamy white, tall blooms with a classic tulip shape, perfect for landscaping.
- Height: 22–25 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Parks, borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Tall and elegant, great for large-scale projects.
Hakuun (Darwin Hybrid Tulip)
- Description: Snow-white, bell-shaped flowers bred in Japan for heat tolerance and elegance.
- Height: 20–22 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid spring
- Uses: Beds, borders
- Why Grow It: Reliable perennial for warmer climates.
White Marvel (Single Early Tulip)
- Description: Ivory-white, early-blooming tulip with a classic shape, resistant to pests and diseases.
- Height: 16–18 inches
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Uses: Beds, containers
- Why Grow It: Low-maintenance and vibrant for early displays.
Coldplay (Fringed Tulip)
- Description: White flowers with red-flamed, heavily fringed petals, creating a dramatic effect.
- Height: 16–18 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Highly textured and eye-catching for mixed plantings.
Ivory Floradale (Darwin Hybrid Tulip)
- Description: Creamy white blooms, sometimes with a pink blush, reaching up to 6 inches in diameter.
- Height: 24 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid spring
- Uses: Cut flowers, forcing
- Why Grow It: Large, sturdy blooms tolerate warmer springs.
White Parrot (Parrot Tulip)
- Description: Creamy white, ornate petals with pale yellow bases, resembling exotic bird feathers.
- Height: 16–24 inches
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Uses: Beds, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Lavish and delicate, perfect for focal points.
Shirley (Single Late Tulip)
- Description: Ivory blooms with subtle purple tips, pairing beautifully with darker tulips.
- Height: 20–26 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Mixed borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Subtle bicolor effect adds depth to gardens.
Swan Wings (Fringed Tulip)
- Description: Pure white flowers with delicate, crystalline fringes, resembling swan feathers.
- Height: 20–24 inches
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Uses: Borders, cut flowers
- Why Grow It: Ethereal and elegant, ideal for romantic gardens.
Tips for Growing White Tulips
- Planting Time: Plant bulbs in late fall (November–December) after the first frost to reduce disease risk, 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.
- Soil and Sun: Choose well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure. Add organic bulb food at planting for vigorous blooms.
- Watering: Water moderately after planting and during spring growth, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Perennializing: Varieties like Purissima, Maureen, and White Triumphator are more perennial. Leave foliage to die back naturally to nourish bulbs for next year.
- Pest Protection: Use wire mesh or gravel to deter squirrels and gophers. Plant deer-resistant companions like daffodils.
- Forcing: Varieties like Mondial and White Dream are excellent for indoor forcing. Chill bulbs for 12–16 weeks at 35–45°F before potting.