Tulip 'Ice Cream'

5 bulbs
£10.49
£2.10 each
10 bulbs
£14.49
£1.45 each
Save 31%
25 bulbs
£22.99
£0.92 each
Save 56%

Order today, receive in August/September

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Our "Bloom or Bust" Promise

The bloom really does look like a scoop of ice cream in a cone! It's so unique that it often gets mistaken for a peony or even a rose.

Arguably one of the most famous and spectacular novelty tulips ever bred, 'Ice Cream' is a true showstopper that never fails to turn heads and start conversations. Its unique structure is a marvel of nature. The flower begins with a sturdy base of raspberry-pink outer petals, often streaked with green, which form a protective 'cone' around the central bloom. Then, as it matures, the magic happens: a dense, tightly packed mound of the purest white inner petals begins to emerge from the top, looking for all the world like a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream sitting in a cup. The contrast between the colourful base and the pristine white centre is breathtaking. This is not a tulip for the impatient gardener; it requires warmth and sunshine to encourage the 'scoop' to fully emerge and unfurl, but the reward is more than worth the wait. It is the ultimate feature plant for a pot or a prime position at the front of a border where its extraordinary form can be fully appreciated.

Botanical name Tulipa 'Ice Cream'
Flower colour White and pink
Bulb size 12/+ cm
Established height 30-40 cm
Established spread 15 cm
Plant spacing 20-25 bulbs per m²
Leaf colour Grey-green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully hardy
Years to establish 1-2 years
Sunlight Full sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Pots, Feature plant
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam, Sandy, Chalky
Growing skill Medium
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

A famous and spectacular novelty tulip, 'Ice Cream' has a unique flower form with an outer layer of deep pink and green petals that form a cup, holding a large, tightly packed dome of pure white inner petals. The very heavy and intricate flower head must be protected from the elements. Plant it in a very sheltered spot in full sun, away from wind and heavy rain. It is an ideal specimen for growing in a pot on a patio or in a prime position in a border right next to the house, where its strange beauty can be marvelled at.

How to Plant:

The bulbs should be planted late in the autumn, during October or November. To help support the top-heavy flowers, it is crucial to plant them deeply. Dig a hole around 15-20cm (6-8 inches) deep and place the bulb at the bottom with the pointed tip facing the sky. Use a good quality, well-drained compost or soil. Space the bulbs about 15cm apart to give each flower room.

Aftercare:

It is important to understand that 'Ice Cream' tulips are best grown as an annual for a single, spectacular display. They will not reliably flower again in following years. Once the unique bloom has faded, the recommended approach is to lift and compost the entire plant, including the bulb. This ensures you can use the space for summer bedding and then plant fresh, strong bulbs again in the autumn for another perfect display next spring.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Perfect for pots

Tulip 'Ice Cream' - Harding & Bloom

Tulip 'Ice Cream'

£10.49

£10.49

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset