Tulipa praestans Shogun

One of the very first tulips to herald the arrival of spring, Tulipa praestans 'Shogun' is a delightful multi-flowering botanical (species) tulip, producing an impressive bouquet of three to five fragrant blooms from each bulb. Its cheerful flowers glow in warm shades of marigold-orange, softened with buttery yellow towards the petal tips and often highlighted by a subtle red flush around the flower's centre.

Native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, Tulipa praestans is prized for its vigorous nature, reliability and ability to return year after year in well-drained soils. Unlike many hybrid tulips, each bulb produces several flowering stems, creating a full, colourful display from even a small planting.

Flowering from March into April, 'Shogun' reaches a compact 20–30cm in height, making it ideal for rockeries, alpine gardens, patio containers, gravel gardens and the front of sunny borders. Its broad blue-green foliage provides an attractive contrast to the warm-toned blooms, while the lightly scented flowers are a welcome early nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects.

Winner of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM), Tulipa praestans 'Shogun' is celebrated for its outstanding garden performance, ease of cultivation and exceptional floriferousness.

A charming botanical tulip that brings fragrance, colour and multiple flowers from every bulb—perfect for welcoming spring.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Tulipa praestans 'Shogun' bulbs in autumn, ideally from October to December, while the soil remains workable and before it freezes.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with free-draining soil. 'Shogun' thrives in rockeries, gravel gardens, alpine beds, patio containers and the front of sunny borders. It performs best where the bulbs remain relatively dry during summer dormancy.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils with horticultural grit and organic matter to ensure excellent drainage.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells, as botanical tulips dislike sitting in wet soil.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove spent flowers if seed is not required.
• Allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulbs can store energy for next spring's display.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed to encourage naturalising and increasingly floriferous clumps.

Top Tip:
Plant in generous drifts where each bulb can show off its bouquet of fragrant flowers. 'Shogun' looks stunning with Muscari, species Narcissus and early flowering Anemones for a colourful spring display.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
March – April (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
8–12" (20–30cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial

Multi-flowering Species (Botanical) Tulip

Lightly Fragrant

RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)