Tulipa Lilypure

Soft, elegant and beautifully refined, Tulipa 'Lilypure' is a graceful Lily-Flowered Tulip with slender, pointed petals in delicate shades of rose pink, creamy white and ivory. The colour is particularly attractive, with the richest pink concentrated through the centre of each petal before gradually softening towards pale, frosted edges, creating an almost watercolour-like effect.

The flowers have the distinctive shape for which Lily-Flowered Tulips are loved: narrow and gently waisted when closed, before opening into elegant, star-like blooms with long, sharply pointed petals that curve gracefully outwards. In bright spring sunshine, the flowers open more fully to reveal their wonderfully delicate form.

Growing to around 50cm, 'Lilypure' has strong, upright stems that make it an excellent choice for borders, patio containers and cutting gardens. Its sophisticated pastel colouring works particularly well alongside white, soft mauve and deeper plum tulips, while fresh green foliage provides a beautiful contrast.

Flowering in mid to late spring, 'Lilypure' brings a light, romantic quality to the garden and is especially effective when planted in generous groups where its subtle colour variations can be fully appreciated.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Tulipa 'Lilypure' bulbs in autumn, from September to December. Tulips generally perform particularly well when planted once the soil has cooled, with October and November being ideal months where possible. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with fertile, well-drained soil. Lily-Flowered Tulips are particularly attractive in borders, formal planting schemes, patio containers and cutting gardens. A reasonably sheltered position will help protect their elegant blooms from strong winds.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 15–20cm (6–8 inches) deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space bulbs approximately 10–15cm (4–6 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy or poorly drained soils with horticultural grit and organic matter before planting. Good drainage is especially important during winter.
• Containers: Use a good-quality, free-draining compost and make sure the container has adequate drainage holes.

Watering:
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Bulbs planted in the ground will normally receive sufficient moisture from autumn and winter rainfall. Check container-grown tulips regularly during spring and water when the compost begins to dry.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed with a high-potash fertiliser as shoots develop in spring.
• Remove faded flowers after flowering to prevent the bulb using energy to produce seed.
• Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally before removing it, as this helps replenish the bulb.
• Where soils are heavy or summers particularly wet, bulbs can be lifted after the foliage has died back and stored somewhere cool and dry until autumn.

Top Tip:
Plant 'Lilypure' in groups of 10 or more bulbs to make the most of its beautiful pink-to-cream colouring. It pairs especially well with white tulips, soft mauves and rich plum shades for an elegant late-spring display.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

April – May (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
Approx. 20" (50cm)

Position:
Full sun or light partial shade

Lily-Flowered Tulip – Division 6

Hardy Bulb

Excellent Cut Flower