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.
'Congo'
Vibrant and full of character, Tulip 'Congo' is a tulip that refuses to go unnoticed. Its generously double, peony-style blooms unfurl in layers of warm apricot and glowing red, the colours blending and feathering together like a late evening sky. As each flower opens, Tulip 'Congo' reveals an increasingly ruffled form, giving it a lush, almost theatrical presence in the garden. Held on sturdy stems above fresh green foliage, Tulip 'Congo' brings both richness and movement to spring displays, catching the light in a way that highlights every nuanced shift in tone.
Ideal for adding warmth and depth to borders or containers, Tulip 'Congo' pairs beautifully with softer pastels or contrasting deep shades for a more dramatic effect. It thrives in well-drained soil in a sunny spot, where its full, layered blooms can develop to their fullest potential. Tulip 'Congo' also lends itself wonderfully to cutting, its peony-like flowers adding volume and texture to seasonal arrangements. For gardeners drawn to bold yet sophisticated colour combinations, Tulip 'Congo' offers a lively, expressive flourish that feels both generous and refined.
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 'Congo'
- Tulip group
- Double early (2)
- Flower colour
- Orange, red, maroon
- 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.