Plant tulip bulbs from October to mid-December, once the weather has cooled. Until then, store them somewhere cool, dry and safely away from mice and squirrels.
'Caatje'
Tulip 'Caatje' is not the sort to arrive quietly. Its huge, fully double blooms open in generous layers of coral pink and glowing red, each petal finished with a pale pink to white fringed edge that looks almost sugared. The effect is lavish but fresh, like a silk carnation reimagined by a tulip with theatrical ambitions. In borders, Tulip 'Caatje' brings depth, texture and a deliciously painterly warmth, especially when set among soft purples, creamy whites or airy spring fillers. Strong stems hold the impressive flowers with poise, making Tulip 'Caatje' a striking choice for cutting too.
Plant Tulip 'Caatje' in groups where its ruffled form can build into a proper spring performance, whether in a sunny border, a large container or a romantic cottage-style scheme. The fringed petals catch the light beautifully, shifting from bright coral-red at the heart to softer blush tones at the outer edges, so the flowers seem to change as they mature. Pair Tulip 'Caatje' with forget-me-nots, wallflowers or low-growing perennials for contrast, or let it stand alone and steal the scene. Among double fringed tulips, it has real presence, plenty of charm and just enough flamboyance to be thoroughly irresistible.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Choose full sun or partial shade. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with good drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards, 15–20cm deep and around 10cm apart. You can leave a little more space between them in borders.
Water once after planting to settle the soil. Border-grown tulips rarely need further watering, but containers should be kept lightly moist and never waterlogged.
Remove faded flowers, then allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. This helps the bulbs store energy for the following year.
- Botanical name
- Tulipa 'Caatje'
- Tulip group
- Double late (11)
- Flower colour
- Red, pink, coral, white
- Bulb size
- 12/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 60 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.