Tulipa Exotic Emperor - ORG

There are tulips you recognise straight away, and there are tulips that make you pause for a moment – is this really a tulip? The Tulipa Exotic Emperor is one of them. It belongs to the early-flowering ‘Emperor’ tulips, known for their large flowers and sturdy stems, but with its full, fluffy petals, it looks more like a peony. It is a creamy white colour, with delicate green flecks on the outer petals that give the flower extra depth.

A tulip that looks like a peony

Exotic Emperor belongs to the Emperor tulips, a group known for large flowers, sturdy stems and early flowering. You notice this straight away. Whilst many double tulips droop a little after a heavy downpour, Exotic Emperor holds up surprisingly well. As the flower opens further, a fresh lemon-yellow centre appears, contrasting beautifully with the creamy white. Every day, the flower looks just a little different. This isn’t a tulip that shows off with a single trick, but one that reveals itself gradually.

Early-flowering and surprisingly sturdy

Whilst many double tulips are vulnerable to wind and rain, the Exotic Emperor proves the opposite. It belongs to a group known for its strong, sturdy stems, and therefore retains its full shape even after a heavy spring shower. Blooming early in the season, it combines beautifully with other early-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and grape hyacinths, and it also lasts remarkably long in the border.

Planting for a lush spring

Plant the bulbs in the autumn at a depth of around 15 cm, in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. The Exotic Emperor naturalises well and returns year after year, often producing more and more flowers at once. Organically grown and certified, so you know exactly how carefully this lush flower has been cultivated, from bulb to full bloom.