Tulip 'Exotic Emperor'

Dispatch begins week of 14 September
Autumn planting varieties are seasonal and become available at the start of September. We will then prepare your order and begin dispatch during the week beginning Monday 14 September.

Choose your pack size Planting impact; savings vs smallest pack
5 bulbs
Planting coveragePlants a small pot or border cluster
£4.89
£0.98 each
10 bulbs
Most popular Fills 1-2 pots or a compact group
£7.69
£0.77 each
Save 21% each
25 bulbs
Best value Creates a generous border group
£18.49
£0.74 each
Save 24% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Exotic Emperor, often admired for its creamy white petals with soft yellow flush and light green streaking colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders

Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor' is a beautifully refined Fosteriana tulip, prized for its softly sumptuous, semi-double blooms. Creamy petals are warmed with a gentle yellow flush and elegantly brushed with green, creating a poised, painterly effect that sits just as handsomely in a smart pot as it does threaded through spring borders.

With sturdy, upright stems to around 45cm and grey-green foliage, it’s a dependable choice for early-season colour and a particularly graceful cut flower for the house.

  • Flower style: Semi-double, creamy-yellow with subtle green streaking
  • Where it excels: Borders, containers and spring cutting
  • Type: Fully hardy, perennial bulb
  • Easy to grow: An unfussy favourite for beginners and experienced gardeners alike
Botanical name Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor' (13)
Flower colour Creamy white petals with soft yellow flush and light green streaking
Bulb size 12/14cm
Established height 45cm
Established spread 10cm
Plant spacing 10cm
Leaf colour Grey-green
Habit Upright, clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 1
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders & Beds, Containers & Pots, Cut Flowers
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Fertile, well-drained
RHS Award (AGM) AGM
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor' (tulip) needs full-sun, partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 10cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Planting
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

RHS Award (AGM)

Good for cutting

Tulipa 'Exotic Emperor' (tulip) - Harding & Bloom

Tulip 'Exotic Emperor'

£4.89

£4.89

The Finest Bulbs

We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.

A Greener Thumb

We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.

An Unrivaled Selection

Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.

Our Bloom Guarantee

If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

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