Species
Tulipa gesnerianaGarden Tulip14 other cultivars
‘Parrot Tulip Mix’Parrot Tulip Mix
‘Fun Colors Mix’Tulip Fun Colors Mix
‘Blue Diamond’Blue Diamond Tulip
‘Flaming Memory’Flaming Memory Tulip
‘Monte Carlo’Monte Carlo Tulip
‘Kingsblood’Kingsblood Tulip
‘Ollioules’Ollioules Tulip
‘Golden Apeldoorn’Golden Apeldoorn Tulip
‘Burning Desire’Tulip 'Burning Desire'
‘Akebono’Tulip Akebono
‘Golden Artist’Golden Artist Tulip
‘Blueberry Chocolate’Blueberry Chocolate Tulip
‘Black Parrot’Black Parrot Tulip
‘Tuscan Prince’Tulip 'Tuscan Prince'
The Story
Plant Bio
Peony-flowered tulip with unique white and pink-tinged petals.
Known for its ice cream-like soft color and peony shape.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
12 inches
Width
6 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial (if bulb health is maintained)
Native To
Central Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-drained soil in fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Allow foliage to die back naturally for bulb strength.
- Mulch lightly to protect from extreme cold.
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in late summer.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy.
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in a sunny spot with good drainage for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote healthy growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Do not plant too deep or too shallow
- Skip fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ice Cream Tulip questions
What zones can Ice Cream Tulip grow in?
Ice Cream Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ice Cream Tulip deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Ice Cream Tulip, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Ice Cream Tulip bloom?
Ice Cream Tulip typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ice Cream Tulip need full sun?
Ice Cream Tulip does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Tulipa to compare
All Spring Mix Tulip
Tulipa tulip 'All Spring Mix'
Parrot Tulip Mix
Tulipa gesneriana 'Parrot Tulip Mix'
Marilyn Tulip
Tulipa tulipa 'Marilyn'
Artist Tulip
Tulipa tulipa 'Artist'
Tulip Fun Colors Mix
Tulipa gesneriana 'Fun Colors Mix'
Blumex Parrot Tulip
Tulipa tulip 'Blumex Parrot'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ice Cream Tulip with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.