Tulip 'Exotic Emperor'

* * * * * Based on 6 reviews
Tulip 'Exotic Emperor' is a double tulip, but the outer petals are more like green sepals than fully blown petals and it looks good from the moment the buds begin to develop until it is almost dropping – so for at least six weeks. More
15 bulbs 260475-15 £7.95 In stock
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Due to unprecedented levels of demand, please allow up to 4 weeks for despatch.
30 bulbs 260475-30 £13.95 In stock
[?]
Due to unprecedented levels of demand, please allow up to 4 weeks for despatch.
More Details

Tulip 'Exotic Emperor' is a double tulip, but the outer petals are more like green sepals than fully blown petals and it looks good from the moment the buds begin to develop until it is almost dropping – so for at least six weeks.

The outer layers twist and turn and give each stem a relaxed exhibitionism which I love.

Tulip 'Exotic Emperor' looks like a peony flowered tulip but is actually a Fosteriana and is suitably early to match.

Our tulip bulbs are the best and biggest we can find, from tried and trusted growers. Don't forget that tulips like to be planted late in October and November with the colder weather, and need a little watering if planted in pots.

This can be gift wrapped in our exclusive hessian sack, with ribbon and a Sarah Raven gift card. You will be able to add this to your basket once you begin the checkout process. To add a gift message to your order, simply fill out the details at the delivery stage of the checkout.

Please note: only items which are showing ‘in stock’ can be gift wrapped.

Genus Tulipa
Group/Species Double Early

Double-flowered cultivars, mainly short-stemmed and early-flowering. Very good long lasting properties, most suitable for cut flowers. These have double, peony-like flowers approx. 7.5-10cm wide. Click here for more information about tulip groups.
Variety Exotic Emperor
Type Hardy Perennial Bulb
Common Name Tulip
Border Position Front, Middle
Bulb Size 12/+

For more info on bulb sizes, click here.
Soil Type Acid, Alkaline, Chalky, Clay, Fertile, Heavy Clay, Neutral, Sandy
Scent Unscented
Site Full Sun, Part Shade
Moisture Well-drained
Height 45cm (18in)
Spacing Plant pointy end up 10-15cm (4-6in) deep, 8cm (3in) apart. Layer bulbs to a depth of 25-30cm (10-12in) if room is tight. Remember to add plenty of grit if your soil is heavy. For containers, space bulbs 1-2cm (½-1in) apart if planting in a single layer, give them more room, 2-3cm (1-1½in) if planting in a bulb lasagne.
Sowing, Seeds, Planting Plant outdoors October - December.
Care Tips Don't plant tulip bulbs until the cold weather has set in – this helps wipe out viral and fungal diseases. Leave the browning foliage on your tulips until every leaf has died right down – this allows the bulb to store more food and increases the chances of good flowering the following year.
Flowering April
Vase Life Tulips make supreme cut flowers. Strip the bottom leaves, tie the stems in paper to hold the stems ram-rod straight and leave to drink for at least 3 hours – or overnight. This helps keep the stems straight, but tulips do continue to grow after picking so curves may appear.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sow Under Cover/Plant Indoors
  • Direct Sow/Plant Outdoors
  • Flowers/Harvest
Advice & Videos
Gardening at home with Sarah | The best tulips at Perch Hill

In our latest video, Sarah shares her favourite tulips for picking, pots, borders and grass.

Gardening at home with Sarah | Tulips at Perch Hill

Watch as Sarah discusses her favourite varieties currently growing in the gardens at Perch Hill.

Gardening at home with Sarah | May Tulips

Sarah shares her favourite tulips for companion planting, growing in shade and pots.

Protecting tulips from pests

Protect your tulips this spring from their main pests. This short guide shows you how to avoid tulip fire and squirrels.

Sarah's favourite tulip groups

Sarah talks about her favourite types of tulip groups.

Planting numbers for bulbs in borders

A handy guide for how many alliums, narcissi, tulips, snowdrops and other bulbs to plant in your plot.

How to plant and grow tulips

Find out the best way to plant your tulip bulbs for a great display next spring.

How to plant tulips using a traditional bulb planter

On a particularly blustery autumn day in October, Sarah shows you how to plant tulips with a bulb planter.

How to grow tulips in container pots

Sarah shows you a few different ideas and techniques for planting tulips in container pots, for beautiful spring displays in your garden.

Understanding the 15 different tulip groups

The full list of the different tulip groups, with a little specification, as well as an example. We hope from this you can learn a bit more to help...

A guide through the tulip trial beds at Perch Hill

Sarah guides you through the new tulip varieties she is trialling from her most recent trip to the Netherlands (Hortus Bulborum, Keukenhof). She...

Sarah's blog: The Tulip Garden

We had our first light frost this morning, which has made me start thinking about planting tulips...

Related Videos
Delivery

Bulb Delivery - Due to unprecedented levels of demand, please allow up to 4 weeks for despatch.

Click here to find out more information about our delivery rates and times.

Tulip 'Exotic Emperor' reviews

* * * * * Average based on 6 reviews

* * * * *

Reviewed 31st July 2019 by Anne

Beautiful unusual shaped flowers, which lasted for weeks! Very impressed!

* * * * -

Reviewed 26th June 2019 by C Perchard

Lovely display as I had planned for.

Beautiful tulips

* * * * *

Reviewed 26th April 2018 by Vicki

This is the 2nd year of growing these in containers. The flowers last such a long time and appear to get larger as they fully open. They have survived awful weather and in the evening they really stand out. Wonderful colour with the outer green. Would not hesitate to recommend.

Beautiful

* * * * *

Reviewed 25th April 2017 by Caroline Murphy

Planted these in layers in a tall pot, absolutely stunning. Have finished now but the leaves have faded to the colour of the pale terracotta pot they are and still look wonderful.

First Tulip

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Reviewed 4th April 2017 by Sue Mills

This is a gorgeous tulip. The first to flower in my raised beds, first week in April in mid Wales

Wedding Tulips

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Reviewed 22nd October 2015 by Barbara Fox

Grew Exotic Emperor in tall terracotta pots for our son's wedding on April 4th. Planted in mid late November. Also planted blue violas on top of the pot. Left outside until 10 days before wedding when brought inside cool conservatory to boost flowers. Superb success. The blooms were stunning. Also grew Purissima with equal success.
Admired by all! Bride and Groom thrilled.

Read more reviews