What are Rembrandt Tulips?

Rembrandt Tulips are known for their unique, streaked or feathered petals in bold, contrasting colours. These striking markings once occurred due to a tulip virus, but modern varieties are safely bred to recreate the same beautiful patterns.

What is the history of Rembrandt Tulips?

Rembrandt Tulips became famous during the 17th century Dutch “Tulipmania” – a period when rare tulip bulbs were traded for the price of houses. The feathered colour breaks were caused by a virus, making them unpredictable and highly prized. Today’s Rembrandt-style tulips are virus-free and bred to mimic the original look safely and reliably.

When should I plant Rembrandt Tulip bulbs?

Plant in autumn, between late September and November, in a sunny position with well-drained soil.

When do Rembrandt Tulips bloom?

They typically flower in mid to late spring, depending on the variety – usually around April or early May.

How tall do Rembrandt Tulips grow?

They usually grow to around 40–55cm (16–22 inches), tall enough for border displays and vase arrangements.

Are Rembrandt Tulips perennial?

They can return for a few seasons if conditions are right, but they are often treated as annuals to ensure the strongest blooms each year.

How do I care for Rembrandt Tulips?

After flowering, remove spent blooms but let the foliage die back naturally. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overly wet conditions to prevent bulb rot.

Are Rembrandt Tulips good for cutting?

Yes – their bold, painterly patterns make them excellent for cut flower arrangements and eye-catching spring bouquets.

Can I grow Rembrandt Tulips in containers?

Absolutely. Use deep pots with good drainage and place them in a sunny, sheltered location for best results.

What colours do Rembrandt Tulips come in?

They’re typically bi- or tri-coloured with feathered streaks in purple, red, yellow, white, or orange. Each bloom is unique in its marbling effect.

Where can I find advice on how to plant and grow tulips?

If you're unsure where to start, we've put together a detailed Tulip Growing Guide covering everything from planting depths to aftercare tips. It’s perfect whether you’re a first-time gardener or just need a quick refresher.

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Rembrandt Tulip Bulbs

Rembrandt Tulip Bulbs

Originating in Holland, Rembrandt tulips are a bi-coloured variety that are well-known for their exciting mix of colours. This makes them the perfect addition to any flower display, covering your garden with a whimsical painting of colour. Flowering from May, all varieties, are an impressive addition to any late-spring garden.

Varieties like Tulip Princess Irene, with its bicoloured blooms of orange and purple, add that extra pop to the spring display. Or Like Tulip Flaming Flag, with a mix of cream white and dark pink. We always recommend planting Rembrandt tulip bulbs with Fringed tulips or parrot tulips, to add both colour and texture to the border.

Want to learn how to plant your new Rembrandt tulips? Our tulip growing guide is full of expert tips and tricks, which will help you help your tulips thrive throughout the season and beyond. If you're interested in what else we have to offer (our tulip range is one of the biggest online!) then our 'Tulips to know and grow this spring' blog should help you navigate our selection!

FAQs:

What are Rembrandt Tulips?

Rembrandt Tulips are known for their unique, streaked or feathered petals in bold, contrasting colours. These striking markings once occurred due to a tulip virus, but modern varieties are safely bred to recreate the same beautiful patterns.
What is the history of Rembrandt Tulips?

Rembrandt Tulips became famous during the 17th century Dutch “Tulipmania” – a period when rare tulip bulbs were traded for the price of houses. The feathered colour breaks were caused by a virus, making them unpredictable and highly prized. Today’s Rembrandt-style tulips are virus-free and bred to mimic the original look safely and reliably.
When should I plant Rembrandt Tulip bulbs?

Plant in autumn, between late September and November, in a sunny position with well-drained soil.
When do Rembrandt Tulips bloom?

They typically flower in mid to late spring, depending on the variety – usually around April or early May.
How tall do Rembrandt Tulips grow?

They usually grow to around 40–55cm (16–22 inches), tall enough for border displays and vase arrangements.
Are Rembrandt Tulips perennial?

They can return for a few seasons if conditions are right, but they are often treated as annuals to ensure the strongest blooms each year.
How do I care for Rembrandt Tulips?

After flowering, remove spent blooms but let the foliage die back naturally. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overly wet conditions to prevent bulb rot.
Are Rembrandt Tulips good for cutting?

Yes – their bold, painterly patterns make them excellent for cut flower arrangements and eye-catching spring bouquets.
Can I grow Rembrandt Tulips in containers?

Absolutely. Use deep pots with good drainage and place them in a sunny, sheltered location for best results.
What colours do Rembrandt Tulips come in?

They’re typically bi- or tri-coloured with feathered streaks in purple, red, yellow, white, or orange. Each bloom is unique in its marbling effect.
Where can I find advice on how to plant and grow tulips?

If you're unsure where to start, we've put together a detailed Tulip Growing Guide covering everything from planting depths to aftercare tips. It’s perfect whether you’re a first-time gardener or just need a quick refresher.