Buzz
We absolutely adore tulips! These timeless flowers look stunning on their own or paired with other blooms in a fresh, spring-inspired bouquet. With many more varieties than you might think, these lovely stems bring texture, vibrant color, and surprising shapes (just check out slide #1!) to any vase or bouquet, making a striking statement in your home. Here are ten of our favorites right now, along with expert advice from a professional florist on how to care for them to ensure they last longer in your vase.
1. Unfold the Beauty!
Image courtesy of Amelia's Flowers.Mattie Bush, the founder of Amelia's Flowers, recommends opening up your tulips for a fresh, contemporary vibe. "We love to 're-flex' the tulips in our arrangements," she shares. "It's such a lovely way to add fullness to the bouquet and creates beautiful texture. It transforms the tulips into an entirely new flower!"
2. Monochrome Elegance
Image Courtesy of Pottery Barn."The key to truly enjoying tulips is simplicity. Gather tulips of the same hue together," advises Bronwen Smith, owner and head designer at B Floral. This creates a stunning, effortless arrangement. Looking for a long-lasting display? Check out this one (above) from Pottery Barn. So tidy!"
3. Lush Greens
BloomThat"Allow tulips to stretch out in your favorite vase (mine is a speckled blue enamel pitcher) and pair them with wild greens like Solidago or a fresh sprig of eucalyptus for added fragrance and fullness." –Callie Bladow, production director at BloomThat.
4. Striking Varieties
Image Courtesy of Urban Stems.Seeking something simple yet captivating? Opt for tulips with variegated petals, like these lovely ones from Urban Stems. They make a bold statement while being effortless to arrange!
5. Exotic Beauty
Hidden Garden"This modern, tropical-inspired arrangement showcases zebra leaves to conceal the stems in the vase. The combination of orchids, horsetail, sword fern, and our beloved Libretto parrot tulips adds a stylish flair!" —Amy Child Marella, owner of Hidden Garden
6. Unique Tulips
Christina Baker Design"I’m always thrilled when parrot tulips are in season and easily accessible. Their curled, feathered, and vibrant petals add a wonderful texture and depth to any arrangement. This exotic tulip is truly a showstopper, yet it subtly enhances the beauty of every other flower in the bouquet. I love incorporating them into our floral designs whenever possible." –Christina, owner of Christina Baker Design
7. Tulips as Supporting Stars
Image Courtesy of Amelia's Flowers.Tulips can beautifully complement an arrangement without stealing the spotlight, as seen in this bouquet by Amelia's Flowers! Their elegant shape pairs wonderfully with larger blooms, acting as a 'filler' flower while still standing out on their own.
8. Vibrantly Colored Bouquet
TheBouqs.com"Tulips are one of my favorite flowers of spring. For long-lasting tulips, I recommend selecting ones that are still tightly closed or unopened, with the buds showing just a hint of color. When arranging tulips in a vase, begin by placing two-thirds to three-quarters of the stems around the edge of the container. You can have them standing upright or crisscrossing them in the base to create an interlocking pattern that holds them in place. After that, fill the center and space the tulips evenly." –Eric Buterbaugh, Chief Floral Officer for The Bouqs Co.
9. Serene Color Scheme
Flowers By Ivy"This arrangement was inspired by spring and the sense of fresh starts—this soft white, pink, and sage palette is a beautiful choice for the shift from winter to spring. I enjoy pairing tulips with hydrangeas and ranunculus." –Ivy Vuong, owner of Flowers By Ivy and floral partner of BloomNation
10. Textural Statement
L’Atelier Rouge"The texture of these fringed tulips is so distinctive that I chose to focus on just one variety and one color to truly highlight the intricate, lace-like petals." –Caroline Bailly, owner of L'Atelier Rouge
How to Arrange Tulips on Your Own
"Tulips are such a magical flower to work with because they’re both delicate and effortless," says Klair McDermott, founder of Floral Compass. "They’re natural statement pieces and form the most graceful shapes."
Select a vessel for your tulips
"I suggest filling your vase with enough water to cover about two-thirds of the stems," says McDermott. "This ensures your tulips get sufficient water while keeping the foliage above the waterline, preventing any issues with their longevity." Be sure to use clean, room-temperature water when doing so!
Remove any excess foliage
McDermott advises removing any leaves so that none are submerged in the water. Not only will this help extend the life of your tulips and keep them looking fresh, but it also creates a cleaner, more refined arrangement.
Trim the stems
For a clean, precise cut, McDermott recommends using garden shears, though household scissors will work just fine! Cut at least one inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to ensure optimal water intake.
Give them Sunlight!
Place your tulips in a spot where they can be admired, away from direct sunlight. Remember to refresh the water and trim the stems every few days to help extend the life of your flowers.
Where to Buy Tulips
While a florist’s expert touch is always appreciated, you can easily purchase tulips to arrange yourself! Stores like Trader Joe's and your local grocery shops often carry tulips at an affordable price. Short on time to make an arrangement? Try contacting a florist or consider convenient online options such as The Bouqs Co., Urban Stems, or ProFlowers.
