Top 10 double Tulip varieties for UK gardens

For many British gardening enthusiasts, tulips mark the arrival of spring, filling landscapes with their vivid colours and distinctive shapes. Among these, double tulips stand out for their lush, peony-like blossoms. Their mesmerising layers of petals make them a favourite for adding a touch of elegance to any garden.

If you are considering planting double tulip bulbs, this blog post will provide you with the necessary guidance to get started and introduce you to some of the best varieties available at our online store.

The allure of double Tulip bulbs

Double tulips, often referred to as peony tulips due to their flower shape, are an exquisite choice for any garden. These tulips come in early and late varieties, allowing you to extend the blooming season and enjoy their beauty over a more extended period. The captivating allure of double tulips lies in their full, ruffled blooms, which can feature multiple layers of petals. This unique structure not only gives them a more voluminous appearance but also adds to their overall charm and appeal.

Benefits of planting double tulip bulbs

• Visual appeal
  The voluminous flowers of double tulips make them ideal for cool climates and can transform any garden into a vibrant display of colour.

• Variety
  Available in a broad spectrum of colours and shapes, double tulip varieties offer something for every gardener's taste.

• Extended blooming season
  With early and late-blooming double varieties, you can extend the tulip season in your garden.

• Versatility
  Double tulips are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, offering plenty of flexibility in garden design.

The best double Tulip varieties

Now, let's dive into some of the best double tulip varieties available at Farmer Gracy, a trusted source for quality bulbs. We offer a wonderful selection of double tulip bulbs for the UK, each providing its unique charm and beauty. Here, we highlight some of the top choices that will undoubtedly elevate your garden.

1. Tulip 'La Belle Epoque'

Tulip 'La Belle Epoque' is a showstopper in any garden. With its antique, romantic look, this tulip is marked by its antique rose and apricot tones, creating a vintage, soft appearance. The heavy, layered petals give it a lush, almost peony-like character that is sure to draw attention.

2. Tulip 'Ice Cream'

Tulip 'Ice Cream' is one of the most unique and whimsical double tulips available. As the name suggests, it looks like a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a strawberry cone. The outer petals are a vibrant pink, while the centre boasts a pristine white, giving it a striking contrast. This variety is perfect for adding a touch of fun and novelty to your garden.

3. Tulip 'Miranda'

Tulip 'Miranda' features spectacular double red blooms that are both bold and beautiful. This variety stands out with its lush, full petals that resemble a classic red rose in full bloom. It's a robust choice for gardeners looking to make a strong visual impact.

4. Tulip 'Akebono'

Tulip 'Akebono' is a stunning double tulip variety that sports a beautiful mix of yellow petals with delicate red fringes. The blooms are large and impressive, making this variety an ideal choice for brightening up any garden space. Its name, which means "daybreak," aptly reflects the fresh, radiant quality it brings to garden settings.

5. Tulip 'Lilac Perfection'

The perfect double Tulip 'Lilac Perfection' promises to add a touch of romance and charm to your late spring garden. The dense, multi-layered blooms exude a sense of regal elegance. This variety is fantastic for adding depth and richness to your garden palette.

6. Tulip 'Angelique'

Tulip 'Angelique' is often regarded as one of the most popular double tulip varieties, and for good reason. With its soft pink, peony-like blooms, Angelique offers a touch of romance and sophistication. The flowers are so plentiful that they often overlap, creating a lush, dense display that feels almost luxurious.

7. Tulip 'Charming Lady'

Tulip 'Charming Lady' lives up to its name with its soft, dreamy colours. The flowers feature a blend of pastel apricot and soft pink, creating a delicate, charming appearance. This variety is perfect for those looking to add a touch of subtle elegance to their garden.

8. Tulip 'Black Hero'

For something truly striking and dramatic, look no further than Tulip 'Black Hero'. This variety boasts deep, almost black blooms, which add a touch of mystery and sophistication. The dark, velvety petals make it a fantastic choice for creating contrast in a colourful garden.

9. Tulip 'Mount Tacoma'

Tulip 'Mount Tacoma' is a stunning white double tulip that offers understated elegance. Its pristine white petals and sophisticated form make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a pure, classic look. This variety is particularly striking when planted en masse, creating an almost ethereal effect in the landscape.

10. Tulip 'Carnaval de Nice'

If you're after something vibrant and lively, Tulip 'Carnaval de Nice' is the tulip for you. Its white petals are dramatically streaked with bright red, creating an almost candy-cane-like effect. This eye-catching variety is perfect for adding a festive touch to your garden.

Conclusion

With their lush, multi-layered blooms and variety of vibrant colours, double tulips are truly a gardener’s delight. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, planting these bulbs can transform your garden into an exquisite landscape that everyone will admire.

We offer a broad selection of double tulip varieties, ensuring you’ll find the perfect bulbs to achieve your garden dreams. By choosing the right varieties and following the appropriate planting and care guidelines, you’ll enjoy a spectacular display of double tulips year after year. So, don't hesitate—start your journey with double tulips today and delight in the unparalleled beauty they bring to your UK garden.