Tulip, Viridiflora Hybrids
Tulipa
Green stripes resembling paintbrush strokes decorate the outer petals of this distinctive group of tulips. Flowering on long stems, Viridiflora hybrid tulips, also called green tulips, make spectacular cutting flowers. Viridiflora hybrids trace their origins to “tulipmania” that swept the garden world in the 1600s. The striking blossoms debut in late spring and last several days in a vase. Plant large groups of viridiflora hybrids for an eye-catching garden display. Like other tulips, Viridiflora hybrids are susceptible to rodents and deer; plant them in a protected location to ensure plenty of flowers in spring.
Light:
Sun
Type:
Height:
1 to 3 feet
Width:
6 to 8 inches wide
Foliage Color:
Seasonal Features:
Problem Solvers:
Special Features:
Zones:
3-8
Propagation
Pairing Tulips
Extend your spring show by pairing tulips with early-season flowering bulbs, such as crocus, grape hyacinths, and traditional hyacinths. Plant your favorite daffodils alongside tulips for a petal-packed display. Kick off the tulip display in early spring by planting Emperor tulips, Greigii, and Single and Double early tulips. Peony and Parrot tulips also bloom before Viridiflora hybrids. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy tulips in the garden and bouquets for four weeks or more.
Viridiflora Hybrid Tulip Care
Like all tulip bulbs, Viridiflora hybrid tulips, require well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of bright sunlight per day. Tulips do best in soil that is stays relatively dry in summer and well-drained in winter. (Wet, boggy soil in winter quickly leads to bulb rot.)
The best time to plant tulips bulbs is midfall or when the nighttime temperatures consistently hover around 40°F. Prepare the planting bed by breaking up any clods as you dig a 6- to 8-inch-deep trench. Place the bulbs 6 inches apart in the bottom of the trench and cover them with loose soil, then water well.
After planting, tulips are relatively low maintenance. Water emerging bulbs if rainfall is limited. Allow foliage to remain until it turns completely yellow to allow it to produce nutrients for next year's flower crop. After foliage fades, cease watering.
More Varieties of Tulip, Viridiflora Hybrid
'Flaming Spring Green' tulip
Tulipa 'Flaming Spring Green' provides a burst of color with its red-streaked petals of cream and green. This late-season bloomer grows to 20 inches tall. Zones 3-8
'Red Spring Green' tulip
This variety appears rosy red with green stripes on the outer petals, but opens to a clear red on the interior of petals. It makes an excellent cut flower. Stems are 16 inches long. Zones 3-8
'Spring Green' tulip
Tulipa 'Spring Green' has creamy-white blooms with feathery yellow-green zones on the petals. The blooms make good cut flowers. 'Spring Green' tulip grows on stems that are 16 inches tall. 3-8
'Yellow Spring Green' tulip
This cultivar looks just like its namesake, 'Spring Green', except the flowers are primrose-yellow and green instead of creamy-white. Like its sister, it grows 16 inches tall and works well in flower arrangements. Zones 3-8